The Swedish design philosophy of “beautiful things for everyday life” is actualized in the vintage glassware of Orrefors. Founded in 1898, this glass manufacturer was one of the leading companies in the Scandinavian modernism movement and is revered by collectors for the fine craftsmanship and innovation of its superlative art glass.
Orrefors began making art glass — works that, distinct from mass-production pieces, are made in small numbers to showcase the skills and talents of artists and artisans — in 1913. Two of the first artists hired by the firm were Simon Gate and Edward Hald, who worked initially in the organic Art Nouveau style, and later proved adept with the geometric imagery of the Art Deco period.
Hald and Gate worked closely with glassblowers to refine traditional glassmaking methods, creating new materials such as "graal" glass. In the graal technique a design made with colored glass is encased in layers of transparent glass, preserving the image while the overall glass form is worked and shaped. Orrefors won an international following when it presented such pieces in Paris in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes — the design fair whose name gave rise to the term Art Deco.
In the years following that success, Orrefors attracted more dynamic and experimental artists such as Vicke Lindstrand and Edvin Ohrström, who joined the company in the 1930s. Lindstrand and Ohstrom worked with glassblowers to create the "ariel" glass technique, an innovation that produces deeper, richer imagery that seems to morph and flow as light is refracted by the glass.
As you will see from the items offered on 1stDibs, there is a special aesthetic quality to vintage Orrefors glass. Whether a vase or a set of wine goblets, the work of this premier Swedish company represents the apex of functional artistry.
Swedish Fiskgraal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, 1950s
By Orrefors, Edward Hald
Located in BARCELONA, ES
he Swedish Fiskgraal Green Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, crafted in the 1950s, epitomizes the epitome of Scandinavian glass artistry, beckoning with its captivating allure and ti...
Art Glass
Fiskgraal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden, 1950s
By Orrefors, Edward Hald
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Graal technique, a method involving multiple layers of glass to create intricate patterns. The vase's enchanting blue hue, reminiscent of serene Nordic skies, is achieved through a ...
Glass
A Josef Inwald Glass Marine Life Vase for Barolac, 1960s
By Barolac, Josef Inwald
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Josef Inwald Glass Marine Life Vase for Barolac, created in the 1960s, stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic innovation that defined mid-century glass...
Art Glass
Artistic Glass Vase by Orrefors Sweden
By Orrefors
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Artistic Glass Vase by Orrefors Sweden epitomizes the perfect blend of timeless elegance and innovative craftsmanship. Renowned globally for its exquisite glass artistry, Orrefor...
Art Glass
A Murrine glass vase by Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese, Italy 1960s
By Cenedese, Antonio da Ros
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Murrine glass vase by Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese, Italy, circa the 1960s, intertwines vibrant red and calming blue hues in a dance of glass mastery. Da Ros's finesse amplifies t...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Glass Vase by Jiri Suhajek for Moser, 1970s
By Moser Glassworks, Jiri Suhajek
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Investing in this Mid-Century Glass Vase by Jiri Suhajek for Moser, originating from the 1970s, offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of artistry that seamlessly blends elegance...
Art Glass
Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden, 1953
By Orrefors, Edward Hald
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful graal vase by Edward Hald, crystal clear with nuances of green. Beautiful underwater motif of fish, where the layers of glass create a lively, wat...
Glass
Vase 'Fiskgraal' Designed by Edward Hald for Orrefors Sweden, 1950s-1960s
By Edward Hald
Located in Stockholm, SE
Edward Hald (1883 – 1980) is one of the well-known Swedish glass artists who have worked for Orrefors. After studying in Leipzig, he completed his artistic training with Henri Matiss...
Glass
Great Fish Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden 1957
By Orrefors, Edward Hald
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Nice Fish Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden 1957 Item e6741 A heavy vase of the Graal series designed by Edvward Hald for Orrefors Sweden in 1938. Clear and green glas decorated with underwater flora and fishes, overlayed with a thick clear glass layer. This example dates to 1957. Signed with: 'Orrefors Graal No 471 M Edward Hald'. An authentic piece of Midcentury Modern Scandinavian glass design. Edward Hald (1883 – 1980) is one of the well-known Swedish glass artists who have worked for Orrefors. After studying in Leipzig, he completed his artistic training with Henri Matisse in Paris. The famous Graal glass is one of the first masterpieces of Edward Hald, which he developed together with Simon Gate and Knut Bergqvist...
Art Glass
Vase ‘Fiskgraal’ designed by Edward Hald, for Orrefors, Sweden, 1950s
By Edward Hald
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase ‘Fiskgraal’ designed by Edward Hald, for Orrefors, Sweden, 1950s. Glass. H: 16 cm / 6 5/16" Dia: 11 cm / 4 5/16"
Glass
Vintage Fish Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden 1947
By Edward Hald, Orrefors
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Fish Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden 1947 A vintage vase of the Graal series designed by Edward Hald for Orrefors Sweden in 1938. Clear and green glass decora...
Art Glass
Early Fish Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden 1948
By Edward Hald, Orrefors
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Early Fish Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden 1948 A rare vase of the Graal series designed by Edward Hald for Orrefors Sweden in 1938. Clear glass decorated with underw...
Art Glass
