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Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Swedish, 1932-1998

Swedish glass master Erik Höglund reveled in unconventional techniques and practices — the Karlskrona native once drove glassblower Ruben Hjelm out of a studio at Boda after mixing potatoes into a crucible of molten glass to determine if he could generate bubbles in the finished object. Höglund always walked his own path, and his individuality and creative spirit defines the range of decorative objects, lighting fixtures and other works in glass that he created over the years.

Höglund was born in 1932 and studied drawing and sculpting at the Swedish School of Arts. Despite his limited experience with glass, Höglund joined Boda Glassworks when the manufacturer reached out to the school for the services of a young glass artist. He taught himself how to blow glass at night and found inspiration on travels through Europe as well as in his everyday life, creating sculptures that boasted exquisite color pairings and subdued, streamlined forms. He worked at Boda for 20 years.

The Swedish National Museum purchased Höglund’s early works for an exhibition of Swedish glass art, and in 1957, Höglund’s stunning and expressive objects and sculptures earned the Danish Lunning Prize — the highest honor for an up-and-coming Scandinavian artist. He garnered international acclaim and his colorful iron and glass candleholders, candelabras and vases went on display in New York City. His work is held in the collections of the Blekinge Museum, the National Museum of Stockholm and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

Höglund left Boda in 1973 to establish his own smithery. He returned to glass design in the subsequent years, when the legendary innovator created richly colored and provocative works for Pukeberg, Åhus, Nový Bor and other manufacturers.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Erik Höglund decorative objects, lighting and dinnerware

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Creator: Erik Höglund
Erik Höglund Figural Art Glass Bottle with Face Stopper for Boda, Sweden, 1950s
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and sculptural art glass bottle by renowned Swedish designer Erik Höglund, created for Boda Glasbruk in the 1950s. This handmade piece features a distinctive figural stopper w...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Scandinavian Troll Figurines Bookends in Ice Glass by Höglund & Bergdala
By Erik Höglund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A cute couple of heavy ice glass figurines or bookends (Flat backs) The female Troll with long hair was designed by Peter Johansen and manufactured by Bergdala Glasbruk in Sweden dur...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Erik Höglund (Sweden, 1932-1998) Patinated Bronze Figural Sculpture
By Erik Höglund
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Bronze sculpture by the celebrated multi-disciplinary Mid Century Swedish artist. Exhibiting three figures, one female and two male, seate...
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20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Swedish glass book stands by Erik Höglund Boda, Sweden, 1960s
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful sculptural book stands designed by Erik Höglund. Produced by Swedish company Boda suring the 1960s. Made in frosted glass. Signed on bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Swedish glass book stands by Erik Höglund Boda, Sweden, 1960s
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful sculptural book stands designed by Erik Höglund. Produced by Swedish company Boda suring the 1960s. Made in frosted glass. Signed on bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

13 Scandinavian Modern Glass Pieces by Swedish Avant Garde Designer Erik Höglund
By Boda Nova, Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern 13 glass pieces by the Swedish Enfant Terrible Erik Höglund for Boda. Between 7-14 cm diameter. These pieces can be displayed as sculptures in a window or used as...
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1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Swedish glass book stands by Erik Höglund Boda, Sweden, 1960s
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful sculptural book stands designed by Erik Höglund. Produced by Swedish company Boda suring the 1960s. Made in frosted glass. Signed on bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Related Items
Midcentury Iron and Glass Candelabra by Erik Höglund, Boda Smide, Sweden, 1960s
By Erik Hjorth, Boda Smide AB
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful candelabra by Erik Höglund, made from wrought iron and glass. The rustic iron stem is adorned with four pear shaped glass medallions that bring rain drops on a bare tree to mind. Fits regular candles. Erik Höglund was one of Sweden’s foremost glass artists, whose innovative designs and glass making techniques revolutionized the scene of both art glass and serve ware in the 1950s. His bold and personal designs gave him and the glassworks Boda worldwide acclaim. Erik Höglund is considered the most influential Swedish glass artist of the 1950s and 1960s, alongside Ingeborg Lundin. Höglund was admitted to the prestigious school Konstfack at the age of 16, first studying to become an art teacher, but later changing to the sculptor’s line. He rebelled against many of what he considered to be conventional ideas at the school, and was almost expelled. His nonconformism would follow him through his career, aiding him in following his own path and repeatedly breaking new ground. Erik Höglund started working at Boda glassworks in 1953. At the time, Boda focused on producing high-quality serve ware in ethereal, cut-glass designs under the direction of Fritz Kallenberg. Höglund brought new perspectives and ideas, experimenting with the glass mass to give it a bubbly look and introducing colored glass and irregular finishes. These ideas were in direct opposition to the traditional ideas of what quality glass is, and Höglund was initially met with skepticism. He created rustic designs that allowed for everyday, multiple uses of glass, allowing it to be both functional and aesthetic. This down-to-earth IDEA appealed to both critics and collectors, although it took some years into the 1950s to win over the general public. In 1955, Erik Höglund’s glass was presented at the H55 Exhibition and one of his vases, whilst considered scandalous due to its suggestive decor, was purchased by the Swedish king. In 1957 he was awarded the Lunning Prize, its until then youngest awardee. Following that, his glass was exhibited in the Georg Jensen store on 5th Avenue in New York, making Erik Höglund and Boda world renowned. Erik Höglund was a master of all artistic trades. His glass murals...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Three Glass Votive Candleholder In Hammered Iron by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda
By Erik Höglund, Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful three glass votive candleholder in hand hammered iron by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks to...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

hand wrought Iron and glass candelabra by Erik Höglund , Boda Smide, 1950s
By Erik Höglund, Boda Smide AB
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candelabra designed by Erik Höglund. Made by hand in iron at Boda smide and clear glass prisms from Boda glass. Three arms and six glass shards. Very good vintage condition with ligh...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Clear Glass miniature "People" Decanter by Erik Höglund, Boda, Sweden, 1950s
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Hägersten, SE
"People" decanter designed by Erik Höglund. Rare small size. produced by Boda during the 1950s. Made from hand blown clear glass. Good vintage condition with age related wear and pat...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Björn Selder Patinated Bronze Sculpture, Sweden 1970s
By Björn Selder
Located in Utrecht, NL
Characteristic for Swedish artist, Björn Selder, are powerful, expressive sculptures, such as this piece, in heavy materials like bronze, iron, and stone....
Category

1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Scandinavian Modern Sculpture, Erik Höglund, Most Likely Unique, ca 1960s
By Erik Höglund
Located in Örebro, SE
Amazing Scandinavian Modern sculpture by Erik Höglund, ca 1960s. This sculpture is most likely unique. Not signed. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and u...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Concrete, Steel

Erik Hoglund Hand Forged Iron Candlabra with Boda Art Glass pendants
By Erik Höglund, Kosta Boda
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Erik Hoglund Hand Wrought 5 Candle and Kosta Boda Art Glass Candelabra. Beautiful Scale and Size! Measures just under 24" tall. Iron work is very nice and all original! Glass is...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Big ice bucket in form of an owl, figurine, vintage 1960/70 Mid-Century, Italy
Located in Wien, AT
This charming ice bucket is a spectacular piece of use and decoration for any table-scape. This beautifully executed ice bucket is in the shape of an owl of an eclectic design. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Blue Glass Tray by Erik Höglund, Boda, Sweden
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Goteborg, SE
Large hand blown glass tray by Erik Höglund, made at Boda glassworks. The tray is typical for Höglund's rustic style, with irregular bubbles in t...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Pressed Glass Amber Chandelier Erik Höglund Sweden, 1960s
By Erik Höglund, Kosta Boda
Located in London, GB
Description: A wrought-iron and pressed-glass chandelier designed by Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda during the 1960s. The blackened wrought-iron framework of this 6-armed chandelier is ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Pair of Erik Hoglund for Boda Nova Crystal and Iron Candleholders Sweden
By Erik Höglund, Boda Nova
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Beautiful pair of candleholders designed by Erik Hoglund for Boda Nova, circa 1950s, an original condition no chips or cracks on the glass, the iron base shows patina due to age.
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Midcentury Modern Collection of Six Green Vases by Erik Hoglund, Sweden, 1960s
By Erik Höglund, Kosta Boda
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Collection of six green glass vases/vessels designed by Erik Höglund. Hand blown at Boda glass hut during the 1960s. They are all different sizes and shapes in very good to excellent...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Previously Available Items
Glass Sculptural Bookends Boda Sweden Ice Man & Glass Head by Erik Hoglund
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in San Diego, CA
Two different sculptural pieces that work great together. These vintage bookends are Mid Century symbols that give a nod to Tiki references. Ice like and full of personality. Great p...
Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Erik Hoglund / Glass Relief in Iron Frame / Boda Glasbruk / 1960s
By Erik Höglund
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
An object made of solid glass framed with black iron. A glass sculpture that expresses Höglan's unique worldview, which is said to have been influenced by indigenous culture and Mexi...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Erik Hoglund / Glass Relief in Iron Frame / Boda Glasbruk / 1960s
By Erik Höglund
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
An object made of solid glass framed with black steel. The surface of the rare purple glass block is embossed with a relief of a naked baby pulling a playground equipment...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Scandinavian Troll Figurines, Bookends in Ice Glass by Bergdala, Kosta
By Erik Höglund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A cute couple of heavy ice glass figurines or bookends (Flat backs) The female Troll with long hair was designed by Peter Johansen and manufactured by Bergdala Glasbruk in Sweden dur...
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Pair of Glass Face Bookends or Sculptures by Erik Höglund, Sweden, 1960s
By Kosta Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of figural glass sculptures or bookends by Erik Höglund, Sweden, 1960s. Produced at Boda glassworks in Sweden during the 1960s. No labels,...
Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Glass Face Sculpture by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda, 1960
By Erik Höglund, Kosta Boda
Located in Rochester, NY
Glass face sculpture mounted in original black enameled iron frame with Stand by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda – Sweden, circa 1960. Marked Boda on ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Glass Face Sconce by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda
By Erik Höglund, Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
Art Glass face mask by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda. The glass mask fits into a black metal frame, with a candle holder, which mount to the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Figural Glass Sculptures by Erik Höglund, Sweden, 1960s
By Erik Höglund, Kosta Boda
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Pair of figural glass sculptures, bookends designed by Erik Höglund. Produced at Boda glassworks in Sweden during the 1960s. Marked with label....
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

1960s Erik Hoglund Glass Sculpture by Boda
By Erik Höglund
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous Swedish Figural Glass Sculpture by Erik Hoglund circa 1960s. Very cool chunky design that is much stronger to the naked eye. Signed Boda.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Erik Höglund Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Erik Höglund figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Erik Höglund figurative sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Erik Höglund figurative sculptures, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original figurative sculptures by Erik Höglund were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in sweden during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider figurative sculptures by Johnny Mattsson, and Gustavsberg. Prices for Erik Höglund figurative sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $287 and can go as high as $3,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,350.

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