Ekenäs Engraved Crystal Vase Swedish Flowers, Lily of the Valley, Liljekonvalj, Provincial Flower of Gästrikland

This small vase was likely designed by John Orwar Lake and engraved by Gert Claesson, who was a craftsman at Ekenäs Glassworks for many years. It is an artist's representation of Lily of the Valley, one of the many wildflowers that are special to the people of Sweden. This is the official flower of the province of Gästrikland, and they are known as Liljekonvalj locally.

This piece was probably made in the in the late 1960's or early 1970's; while Lake was artistic director at Ekenäs. The vase is a perfect size for displaying on a shelf or in a cabinet. It is 3.875" x 3.25" x 6" (98mm x 83mm x 152mm), and it weighs 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg). The traditional copper-wheel engraving is skillfully done.

Ekenäs glass mill was founded in 1917. It was bought after a bankruptcy in 1922 by Sven Westberg (1883-1962), who held it until 1962. Thereafter, it was run by members of the Tell family, until it was sold in 1976. Greta Runeborg-Tell and John Orwar Lake were artistic leaders at the glass mill from 1942-1952 and 1953-1976, respectively. Other designers were Edvin Ollers 1946-1947, Astrid Rietz in the 1940s, and Michael Bang from 1966-1988.