Sven Palmqvist vase

This glass vase is a refined example of the mid-century modern Scandinavian glass art movement, designed by Sven Palmqvist in the 1960s. The vase is produced by Orrefors, one of Sweden’s foremost glassworks, renowned for its technical excellence and contribution to art glass. Crafted from thick, clear glass, the vase features a distinctive organic form, with an inward-curving elliptical opening that emphasizes the fluidity of the glass medium. The vase is colorless at its core, surrounded by a subtle grey smoke hue that transitions seamlessly from the transparent inner section to the outer edges, enhancing the sculptural silhouette.

The vase is in excellent condition, with minimal signs of use and wear consistent with its age. The glass surfaces remain clear and free from chips or cracks, preserving the integrity of its original design. Some light surface marks are visible under close inspection, typical for a vintage glass object of this period, but these do not detract from its visual clarity or elegance. The base retains the etched signature and production markings, confirming its authenticity and provenance from Orrefors.

Sven Palmqvist (1906–1984) was a master glass designer whose innovative techniques and distinctive aesthetic defined much of Orrefors’ artistic output during the mid-20th century. Known for pioneering the “Kraka” and “Ravenna” glass techniques, Palmqvist’s work often explored the interplay of form, light, and texture within glass. His designs are characterized by organic shapes, bold experimentation with new techniques, and a refined balance between artistic expression and technical precision.

Orrefors, founded in 1898 in Småland, Sweden, became internationally recognized for its art glass in the early 20th century. During the mid-century period, the company collaborated with many of Sweden’s leading designers, including Palmqvist, to produce artistic glass pieces that combined craftsmanship with modernist design principles. Orrefors’ output during the 1950s and 1960s exemplifies the Scandinavian approach to design: understated, functional, and aesthetically pure.

Stylistically, this vase reflects the organic modernism typical of Scandinavian glass from the 1960s. The smooth, flowing curves and the use of clear and smoky glass tones emphasize the material’s purity and its interaction with light and shadow. The sculptural form invites viewing from multiple angles, where reflections and refractions change the visual experience of the piece.

The dimensions of the vase are 9 cm in width, 5.5 cm in depth, and 12 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 3.5 inches wide, 2.2 inches deep, and 4.7 inches high.