Vicke Lindstrand vase

This mid-century sommerso glass vase, designed by Vicke Lindstrand and produced by Kosta glassworks in Sweden during the 1960s, exemplifies Lindstrand’s mature command of layered color, optical depth, and sculptural clarity. The piece is signed on the base with “Kosta 46451 Lindstrand – Minne från Tempo” suggesting that it may have been commissioned as a commemorative or presentation object, for the Swedish department store chain Tempo.

Executed using the sommerso technique—a method in which layers of differently colored glass are encased within clear crystal—the vase displays a rich internal palette transitioning from emerald green at the base through turquoise blue to warm amber near the top. These gradations are captured within a thick outer casing of transparent glass, which refracts and magnifies the internal hues. Depending on the angle of view and lighting, the vase exhibits varying depths of color and dimensionality, underscoring Lindstrand’s interest in light, transparency, and spatial illusion.

The form is vertically oriented and ovular in profile, tapering slightly toward the top. The softly rounded opening maintains the clean geometry of the overall silhouette, and the thickness of the glass provides both structural presence and a sense of visual mass. The base is flat and polished, and the surfaces are highly finished to enhance light transmission and reveal the internal color stratification.

Vicke Lindstrand (1904–1983) was a central figure in 20th-century Swedish glass, first at Orrefors and later as the artistic director at Kosta from 1950 until the early 1970s. Known for his technical innovation and elegant forms, Lindstrand pioneered new approaches to cased, engraved, and sculptural glass, often using bold color contrasts and carefully proportioned shapes. His work helped redefine Swedish art glass after World War II, and his output at Kosta is among the most celebrated of the era.

Kosta, founded in 1742, is Sweden’s oldest glassworks and a major institution in the history of Scandinavian glassmaking. Under Lindstrand’s direction during the mid-century period, Kosta evolved into a leading center for modern glass art, blending centuries-old techniques with a distinctly modernist aesthetic.

This vase remains in very good vintage condition. There is minor surface wear, mostly visible on the base, consistent with careful handling and age. The glass is free from chips, cracks, or clouding, and the engraved inscription is crisp and fully legible.

Dimensions: 24.5 cm in height, 12 cm in width, and 8 cm in depth (approximately 9.65 × 4.72 × 3.15 inches). This piece stands as a strong representation of Vicke Lindstrand’s use of color and form in sommerso glass, combining material weight and visual fluidity in a composition that is both technically accomplished and aesthetically resonant.