Vicke Lindstrand vase

This is a spherical glass vase designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Orrefors during the 1930s. The vase features a harmonious spherical form, where the contrast between finishes becomes its defining visual element. Half of the surface is executed in a smooth, transparent amber-brown glass, while the other half is treated with a sandblasted matte finish, creating a soft, opaque white texture. The precise division between these two treatments lends the piece a sculptural clarity, emphasizing the purity of its form and material. A small circular opening at the top maintains the minimal aesthetic while adding a subtle functional detail.

Vicke Lindstrand (1904–1983) was a leading figure in Swedish glass design and a pioneer of Scandinavian modernism in decorative arts. He worked at Orrefors during a transformative period in the company’s history, where he introduced innovative decorative techniques such as sandblasting and engraving, which departed from the elaborate Art Deco motifs of the earlier period. Lindstrand’s designs from the 1930s are characterized by bold, simple forms and a refined use of surface treatment, allowing the material’s inherent qualities to take center stage.

The vase was produced by Orrefors, one of Sweden’s most renowned glassworks, established in 1898. Under the artistic direction of designers like Lindstrand, Orrefors gained international recognition during the interwar years for its technical innovation and contribution to modern glass art. The period marked a shift towards streamlined, functional forms and the exploration of new surface treatments, aligning with the broader Scandinavian modernist ethos of clarity, restraint, and craftsmanship.

The vase is in good vintage condition, with minor signs of wear appropriate to its age and material. Some light surface scratches are visible on the polished areas, and there are small nicks at the mouth. These aspects are consistent with the careful handling and use of the piece over time. The base is engraved with the signature confirming its production at Orrefors and attribution to Lindstrand.

This work exemplifies the modernist principles of Scandinavian design in the 1930s, where form, material, and surface interact to create objects of understated elegance. The simplicity of the shape combined with the juxtaposition of transparent and matte surfaces gives the vase a sculptural presence.

The dimensions of the vase are approximately 12.5 cm in height and 13.5 cm in diameter, corresponding to 4.9 inches in height and 5.3 inches in diameter.