Karlskoga Kristall vase

This mid-century glass vase, produced by Karlskoga Kristall in Sweden during the 1960s, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and restrained aesthetic associated with Scandinavian studio glass of the period. Though the designer remains unidentified, the piece clearly reflects both regional traditions and international stylistic influences, notably the Italian sommerso technique.

The vase features a vertically oriented teardrop form, symmetrically balanced with a broad, stable base that gently tapers to a narrow, softly rounded rim. The body is constructed using a color-casing process, with a central core of amber-toned glass encased within a thick layer of clear crystal. The amber coloration transitions subtly in density—from a deep, smoky tone at the bottom to a lighter, golden hue near the top—creating a gradient effect that is enhanced by the clarity and thickness of the surrounding glass. This visual layering lends the object a distinct optical depth and weight, allowing light to refract and reflect within the inner structure.

The base is flat and finely polished, indicative of the attention to finish and proportion typical of mid-century Scandinavian decorative glass. The original foil label, reading “Karlskoga Kristall Sverige,” remains affixed near the bottom, confirming the piece’s provenance and period. The vase’s overall execution—its fluid contour, color clarity, and clean finish—aligns with the modernist Scandinavian ethos: minimal in ornament but rich in form and material expression.

Karlskoga Kristall was a relatively small Swedish glassworks active in the postwar decades. While it lacked the international visibility of firms like Orrefors, Kosta, or Boda, Karlskoga produced decorative and utilitarian glassware with a consistent level of technical quality. Its output is recognized today for its fidelity to Scandinavian design values—simplicity, material clarity, and craftsmanship—and for embracing contemporary trends such as color immersion and sculptural form.

This vase remains in very good vintage condition. There are no cracks, chips, or structural flaws. Minor surface wear is present, typical of careful use and consistent with its age. The integrity of both the clear and amber layers is intact, and the piece retains its optical brilliance.

Dimensions: 24.5 cm in height, 10 cm in width, and 6 cm in depth (approximately 9.65 × 3.94 × 2.36 inches).