Ingeborg Lundin vase

This is a glass vase titled “Äpplet” designed by Ingeborg Lundin for Orrefors. The vase presents an elegant and sculptural form, characterized by its full, rounded body and a slender, upright neck. The exterior displays a nuanced gradient of green, transitioning from a deep emerald hue at the neck to a pale yellow-green body. The coloration is both vibrant and translucent, creating a luminous effect that emphasizes the clarity and depth of the glass. The overall shape is reminiscent of an apple, a reference that is both literal and poetic in the design.

Ingeborg Lundin (1921–1992) was one of Sweden’s most celebrated glass designers. She worked at Orrefors Glasbruk, where she was among the first female designers to play a leading role in the development of Swedish modern glass art. Lundin’s work is renowned for its organic forms, lyrical simplicity, and her ability to harness the fluidity of glass as a medium. The “Äpplet” vase, one of her most iconic designs, was first presented at the 1955 H55 Exhibition in Helsingborg, a major design fair that marked the international breakthrough of Scandinavian modernism. This vase became one of the defining works of Swedish mid-century glass design.

The vase was produced by Orrefors, a Swedish glassworks founded in 1898 and internationally recognized for its pioneering role in art glass during the 20th century. Orrefors collaborated with numerous leading designers to develop a distinctive style characterized by clarity, refined forms, and subtle color gradients. During the post-war period, under the artistic direction of designers like Lundin, the factory produced works that fused modernist aesthetics with artisanal craftsmanship.

The condition of the vase is very good, displaying minor signs of wear consistent with age and careful handling. The surface has some thin scratches and small air bubbles, typical of hand-blown glass of this period. The underside shows minor wear, and the base is etched with the inscription “ORREFORS Expo 32-57 Ingeborg Lundin” indicating its presentation at the 1957 exposition.

Stylistically, this vase exemplifies the Scandinavian modernist approach to decorative arts of the 1950s. It balances functional form with expressive artistry, embracing simplicity and clarity while referencing natural forms. The design reflects the ethos of the time, which emphasized organic shapes, honest materials, and the integration of art and craft.

The dimensions of the vase are approximately 37 cm in height and 35 cm in diameter, which corresponds to 14.6 inches high and 13.8 inches in diameter.