Carlos Pebaque vase

This sculptural glass vase, designed by Carlos Pebaque and produced by Gullaskruf in Sweden in 1989, exemplifies the late 20th-century Scandinavian approach to studio glass—emphasizing material clarity, internal coloration, and expressive yet controlled form. Signed on the base with “Gullaskruf 89 Sweden, C.R.P. &,” the piece is both artistically and geographically rooted in the refined glassmaking tradition of Småland.

The vase is executed in hand-blown clear glass and encapsulates a suspended core of deep cobalt blue. The coloration transitions subtly toward a lighter cyan near the upper region of the form, giving the impression of vertical movement and depth. The colored interior appears to float within the outer shell, an effect enhanced by the purity and thickness of the transparent casing. This use of submerged color fields is characteristic of Pebaque’s work and contributes to the vase’s spatial and optical complexity.

Formally, the vase has an asymmetrical, teardrop-like profile, tapering toward a softly pinched apex. The contours suggest fluid motion, and the slight distortion of the rim introduces a dynamic, gestural quality. The overall silhouette is compact and balanced, with a gently narrowing base that provides visual and structural stability. The polished surfaces and weighted form give it both a tactile and sculptural presence, bridging the boundary between vessel and object.

Carlos Pebaque, active primarily in Sweden in the latter decades of the 20th century, produced limited-run studio glass that often focused on internal composition and the interaction of color and light within blown forms. His work is defined by bold yet harmonious color use, clear technical control, and a preference for simplified forms that allow the optical effects of the glass to dominate.

Gullaskruf, founded in 1893 and based in the heart of Sweden’s glassmaking region, was particularly known in its later years for a shift toward experimental and small-edition art glass. While the factory had earlier roots in functional and modernist glassware, the 1980s and 1990s saw collaborations with designers like Pebaque, focusing on the expressive potential of studio-scale production and the material’s sculptural capabilities.

The vase is in excellent vintage condition, with no chips, cracks, or structural flaws. The glass surface is clear and free from clouding, with only minor wear on the base from age and display.

Dimensions: 20 cm in height, 9.5 cm in width, and 6 cm in depth (approximately 7.87 × 3.74 × 2.36 inches).