Kjell Blomberg vase

This large, hand-blown glass vase was designed by Kjell Blomberg in 1963 and produced by Gullaskruf Glasbruk in Sweden. The vase is rendered in a vibrant transparent blue glass, featuring a rich and saturated tone with subtle variations in depth that highlight the handcrafted nature of the piece. Its form is distinctly organic, presenting a teardrop or water droplet silhouette that broadens at the body before tapering smoothly into a narrow neck, ending in a small, gently pinched spout. The slightly asymmetric lip reflects the artisanal production process and adds to the vase’s sculptural quality.

The surface is smooth and highly polished, showing minor irregularities and small air bubbles characteristic of studio glasswork from this era. The base is slightly recessed and bears natural pontil marks, confirming its hand-blown origin. The glass remains free of cracks or chips and is preserved in very good vintage condition with only minimal signs of wear.

Kjell Blomberg’s activity at Gullaskruf during the 1950s and 60s coincided with a period of notable experimentation and formal refinement in Swedish glassmaking. His work is recognized for restrained elegance, fluid and organic forms, and a nuanced engagement with the expressive potential of colored glass. Gullaskruf, founded in 1893 and situated in the Småland region, was a significant glassworks known for fostering artistic innovation and craftsmanship. Throughout the postwar decades, it emerged as a center for modernist glass design, with Blomberg’s contributions playing a central role in this legacy.

The piece embodies mid-century Scandinavian modernism, emphasizing simplicity of form, material clarity, and organic expression. While functional as a vessel, it equally serves as a standalone sculptural object. The vase measures 30 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter (approximately 11.8 by 9.1 inches). Its overall condition is very good, with only minor wear consistent with age and use.