Eva Englund vase

This rare and large “Eldlek” glass vase, designed by Eva Englund and produced by Pukebergs Glasbruk in Sweden, is a significant example of late 20th-century Scandinavian glass art. As the title Eldlek—Swedish for “play of fire”—suggests, the piece embodies a dynamic tension between form, light, and movement, capturing the essence of Englund’s expressive approach to glass.

The vase features a tall, organically tapered silhouette that narrows gracefully toward the neck, balancing sculptural boldness with refined verticality. Its surface displays a carefully rendered gradient that transitions from transparent clear glass at the base to a deep smoky gray toward the top. This tonal shift evokes both atmospheric depth and elemental contrast, subtly referencing the interplay between fire and smoke—an apt metaphor given the vase’s title and the molten origins of its medium.

One of the most distinctive features of this piece is the integration of controlled bubble inclusions within the glass mass. These air pockets are suspended throughout the body of the vase in varying sizes, creating a lively internal rhythm and enhancing its light-reflective qualities. Far from decorative excess, the bubbles contribute to the vase’s visual texture, drawing the viewer’s eye inward and animating the form as it interacts with surrounding light.

Eva Englund (1937–1998) was one of Sweden’s foremost glass artists, known for her experimental, emotionally charged works that pushed the expressive boundaries of glass beyond traditional function. Trained at Konstfack in Stockholm and later employed at several of Sweden’s key glassworks, including Pukebergs Glasbruk, Englund’s career was marked by technical innovation and a strong sense of personal voice. She often explored themes of movement, contrast, and the elemental nature of glass itself, producing works that were both formally rigorous and intuitively emotive.

Pukebergs Glasbruk, founded in 1871 and active well into the 20th century, played a significant role in advancing the studio glass movement in Sweden. During the latter half of the 20th century, the glassworks became known for its artistic collaborations and high-quality production techniques. Under the influence of artists like Englund, Pukebergs developed a reputation for ambitious, sculptural pieces that stood at the intersection of design and fine art.

This particular vase is in excellent vintage condition, with no visible scratches, chips, or structural flaws. The clarity and consistency of the glass surface, combined with the vibrant interplay of inclusions and shading, indicate careful preservation and expert fabrication. The form remains crisp and well-defined, and the subtle variations in color and internal texture are beautifully articulated.