Vicke Lindstrand vase

This hand-blown glass vase, designed by Vicke Lindstrand and produced by Kosta glassworks in Sweden during the 1960s, exemplifies the technical refinement and modernist aesthetics that defined Scandinavian glass design in the postwar period. Signed “Kosta LH 1845” on the base, the piece is catalogued within Lindstrand’s extensive body of work at Kosta, where “LH” denotes his authorship.

Executed using the sommerso technique, the vase consists of layered color transitions that move from a deep golden amber at the core through cooler green-blue hues near the rim, all encapsulated within a thick layer of clear crystal. The seamless gradation between colors and the depth created by the transparent casing yield a rich optical effect, where shifts in light and perspective accentuate the internal tonal shifts. The clear outer layer functions as a magnifying lens, enhancing both the chromatic complexity and the overall sculptural volume of the vase.

Formally, the vase has a compact, rounded bowl set atop a short, solid cylindrical pedestal. Its proportions are balanced and architectural, with the broad upper rim opening outward in a smooth, rounded profile that invites both use and visual engagement. A suspended air bubble—deliberately encased within the pedestal—is a hallmark of Lindstrand’s technical playfulness, often used as a formal punctuation that reinforces the handcrafted nature of the work while introducing a floating, sculptural element.

Vicke Lindstrand (1904–1983) was one of Sweden’s most influential glass designers of the 20th century. Following a successful period at Orrefors, where he contributed to the development of engraved and Graal techniques, Lindstrand became the artistic director at Kosta in 1950. His tenure marked a shift toward bolder, more colorful, and formally experimental glass. His work is widely recognized for its fusion of technical innovation, color theory, and modernist form, often incorporating sculptural elements and refined surface treatments.

Kosta, founded in 1742, is the oldest glassworks in Sweden and played a central role in establishing the country’s reputation in modern art glass. Under Lindstrand’s leadership in the mid-century period, Kosta embraced a more expressive visual language while maintaining the precision and craftsmanship of traditional Swedish glassmaking.

The vase is in very good vintage condition. It shows light wear to the base consistent with age and use, but no chips, cracks, or structural flaws. The surface retains its clarity and luster, and the internal color transitions remain vivid and undisturbed.

Dimensions: 14 cm in diameter and 12.5 cm in height (approximately 5.51 × 4.92 inches).