Sweden’s oldest glass company, Kosta Boda, also enjoys a reputation as the country’s most artistic and experimental glassmaker. Since the late 19th century, Kosta Boda has hired painters, sculptors and other artists for short stints — generally two or three years — designing glassware, ensuring that the firm’s aesthetic is always lively and fresh.
Two former army officers founded Kosta Boda in 1742 in Sweden’s densely forested Småland province. (Plentiful timber was needed as fuel for the melting furnaces.) The glassworks’ early products consisted of everyday glassware, such as drinking vessels and windowpanes. As the company recruited master craftsmen from Bohemia, it created fine crystal for an aristocratic clientele.
Kosta Boda began making art glass — that is, unique and limited edition pieces — with the hiring of the painter Gunnar Wennerberg in 1898. Wennerberg worked in the Art Nouveau style and brought a lush, organic look to the company’s wares. He was followed to the firm by artists such as Edvin Ollers, who in the early 20th century created rich geometric and abstract floral patterns that were engraved on clear crystal.
Two postwar Kosta Boda designers stand foremost in the minds of collectors. One is Vicke Lindstrand, who excelled at a technique called cased glass, in which a vividly colored or patterned section of glass is surrounded by and seems to float within a clear crystal body. The other is Erik Höglund, who had an almost artisanal eye for glass shapes, and liked to produce glass that had a textured, warped look.
Kosta Boda created works in an astonishing array of styles, with something to suit any taste.
Find vintage Kosta Boda vases, bowls and other furniture and objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid Century Modern Warren Hullow Sea Form Studio Pottery Sculpture
By Warren Hullow
Located in Lutz, FL
Large Mid Century Warren Hullow Sea Form studio pottery object/sculpture, great vintage condition, no notable issues. Dimensions: 8”W x 8”D x 4.5”H Other Warren Hullow and Isabel Pa...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
1950s Mid Century Marianna Von Allesch Etched Ceramic Table Lamp
By Marianna von Allesch
Located in Lutz, FL
A lovely example of Marianna Von Allesch lighting, this ceramic table lamp circa early 1950’s in a light sandstone color body has etchings with a green, taupe and yellow glaze on two...
Metal
Marianna Von Allesch Mid Century Modern Decorative Studio Ceramic Pitcher Vessel
By Marianna von Allesch
Located in Lutz, FL
Beautiful modernist studio pottery decorative Pitcher by Marianna Von Allesch c.1950’s. Etched abstract design on all sides, edge of spout and on handle. Taupe speckled glaze through...
Pottery, Ceramic
Vintage Abstract Postmodern Ikebana Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage Post Modern Sculptural Ikebana vase by Keiko & David Hergesheimer of Catalpa Lane Pottery c.1990’s. Interesting abstract hashtag shape and lovely gradient glaze in pink, peac...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Black Sgraffito Jane and Gordon Martz Studio Ceramic Table Lamp
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern studio ceramic pottery table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. Matte Black ceramic body with hand-incised vertical lines and bands of ro...
Ceramic, Pottery, Walnut
Large Vintage Sculptural Postmodern Ikebana Studio Pottery Vase
Located in Lutz, FL
Large vintage Post Modern Sculptural Ikebana vase by Keiko & David Hergesheimer of Catalpa Lane Pottery c.1990’s. Interesting cantilevered shape and lovely gradient glaze In shades o...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Large Vintage F. M. Art Crystal Studio-Line Sweden Crystal Art Glass "Toro" Bull
By FM Konstglas 1
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Mid-Century - Studio Line Ronneby Sweden crystal art glass sculpture from Sweden. It is a hand-blown Bull (Toro) figure. Attributed to Konstglas. Founded by two Italian b...
Crystal
1980s French Crystal Large Bison Figurine by Daum
By Daum
Located in North Miami, FL
1980s French crystal large Bison figurine by Daum. "Bison" The Daum Bison or Buffalo is an impressively sized piece of solid crystal. It is very realist...
Crystal
Vintage Boho Baccarat Crystal Bull
By Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embodying both strength and modernist elegance, this vintage crystal bull is a stunning example of the masterful artistry of Baccarat. The sculptor has captured the powerful essence of the animal in a fluid, almost abstract form, allowing the brilliant, clear crystal to refract light in a captivating dance. This piece is a substantial and sophisticated work of art, perfect as a commanding paperweight on an executive desk, a luminous accent on a bookshelf, or a powerful symbol of strength in any curated interior. This Baccarat sculpture is in great vintage condition, with minor scuffs and blemishes appropriate to its age and use, which do not detract from its stunning clarity. Measuring 6.5" wide, 2.5" deep, and 3.5" high, its impressive form makes a statement without overwhelming a space. The bull's clean, modernist lines make it a perfect fit for Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco, and minimalist interiors, while its timeless quality adds a touch of luxury to any decor. Don't miss the chance to own an iconic piece from one of the world's most legendary crystal houses. Add this magnificent Baccarat bull...
Crystal
Baccarat Crystal Elephant Figurine, Art Deco Style, France, Circa 1924
By Baccarat
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Baccarat crystal plate, depicting an elephant. Baccarat stamp, France. France, CIRCA 1924.
Crystal
Orrefors Sweden Martti Rytkönen Crystal Elephant Orrefors Glass Paperweight
By Orrefors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Elephant, the Zoo Collection by Martti Rytkönen. This beautiful Orrefors crystal elephant paperweight from Sweden designed by Martti Rytkönen is a true minima...
Crystal
Crystal glass paper weight made and signed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Sweden
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Boda
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A fantastic rather large handmade vintage glass sculpture or paperweight made and signed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden. This piece is showcasing his enormous talent as a glas...
Art Glass, Cut Glass
