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.
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...
Art Glass
$1,019
H 5.12 in Dm 2.76 in
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...
Blown 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...
Bronze
Erik Höglund for Boda, Amber Figural Art Glass Decanter, Sweden, 1950s
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and highly sculptural amber glass decanter designed by Erik Höglund for Boda Glasbruk in the 1950s, exemplifying the designer’s iconic fusion of primitive expression and Scand...
Art Glass
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...
Glass
Glass Vase by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda, Sweden
By Erik Höglund
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Glass vase made by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda, Sweden in the 1960s. Not signed. Small chips at the base.
Blown Glass
Erik Höglund Iron Chandelier with Blown Glass, Scandinavian, 1960s
By Erik Höglund
Located in San Francisco, CA
Erik Hoglund Iron chandelier with six arms for candles. Handmade strain and glass in shades of blue and clear from Kosta Boda. Erik Hoglund for Kost...
Iron
Erik Höglund chandelier SH9 by Boda Smide, Sweden, 1960s
By Boda Smide AB, Erik Höglund
Located in Forserum, SE
An elegant chandelier model SH9 crafted from iron and glass, designed by Swedish artist Erik Höglund for Boda Smide. Rustic iron frame with six candle holders, decorated with several...
Iron
$1,139
H 52.37 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Erik Hoglund Attributed
By Erik Höglund
Located in Weesp, NL
Erik Hoglund Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian chandelier Chandelier holds eight glass candleholders. Measurements : D.60 x H.133 adjust...
Iron
$953 / set
H 4.53 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in
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.
Glass
Clear Glass Decanter "People" by Erik Höglund, Boda, Sweden, 1950s
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Hägersten, SE
"People" decanter designed by Erik Höglund. produced by Boda during the 1950s. Made from hand blown clear glass. Signed underneath according to picture. Good vintage condition with a...
Blown Glass
$953 / set
H 3.94 in W 3.35 in D 3.15 in
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.
Glass
Scandinavian Modern Blue Glass Vase by Erik Höglund for Boda, Sweden 1960's
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Dive into the understated charm of this mesmerizing blue glass vase crafted by the skilled hands of artist Erik Höglund for Boda glassworks. The shimmering blue glass, with its playful dance of tiny bubbles, creates an ambiance of delicate beauty. This handcrafted vase, hailing from the creative zenith of 1960s Sweden, unveils the artistry of Erik Höglund. At a stately 26 cm in height and with a width of ø 16cm, this vase not only echoes Höglund's refined design but also attests to the quality of Boda glassworks. The signature H 1199/255 is discreetly placed beneath the vase serves as a quiet testament to its origin and its place in the era of artistic ingenuity spanning from 1960 to 1969. Whether nestled among a collection or commanding attention as a focal point in your space, this Erik Höglund vase...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 5.91 in W 5.91 in D 1.58 in
Square Art Glass / Serving Dish by Erik Höglund for Boda, Sweden 1960s
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Emblematic Erik Höglund design. Square blue art glass piece, with a bull depicted at the centre of glass. Could be used as a serving element, or decorative tabletop object, or standi...
Art Glass
Erik Hoglund blue-eyed "face" vase
By Erik Höglund
Located in Toronto, Ontario
an unusual and humorous piece by Swedish master Erik Hoglund.