Monica Backström sculpture

This sculptural glass object, shaped like an abstracted egg, was designed by Swedish glass artist Monica Backström and produced in Sweden during the 1950s. It is signed “Monica Backström Ateljé,” indicating a studio-made piece, likely crafted as a one-off or limited edition during the early stages of the designer’s career.

The body of the piece is composed of thick, clear blown glass with a slight greenish tint typical of mid-century Scandinavian studio production. Internally, the sculpture features an intricate cluster of suspended glass rods in vibrant hues of orange, red, and amber. These rods are embedded within the transparent volume, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional composition that evokes energetic movement and spatial tension. The contrast between the linearity and color intensity of the rods and the soft, rounded exterior envelope reinforces the object’s dual character as both minimalist and expressive.

The form is organically asymmetrical, tapering at the top and broadening near the base. The glass is highly polished and retains its transparency and sheen, with a flat, ground base for stability. Signs of use are minor and consistent with age, including light surface wear near the base. The interior rods are preserved in excellent condition with no apparent loss or damage.

Monica Backström, born in 1939, is a renowned figure in Swedish glass design, recognized for her conceptual and experimental approaches that combine material innovation with expressive form. Her career spans work at prominent Swedish glasshouses such as Kosta Boda, as well as independent atelier production. This particular sculpture reflects her early engagement with glass as both a formal and spatial medium, placing her work within the broader context of postwar Scandinavian modernism.

This object is characteristic of the mid-century Scandinavian art glass movement, which emphasized technical mastery, material purity, and artistic individuality. It stands as both a decorative object and a conceptual statement, bridging craft and sculpture.

The dimensions of the sculpture are approximately 24 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height, corresponding to 9.4 inches in diameter and 11.8 inches in height.