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
$1,001
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
$320Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.03 in Dm 2.75 in
Scandinavian Mid-century Modern design art glass vase by Erik Höglund, Sweden
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A fantastic and rare glass bowl made and signed by Erik Höglund, the master of architectural glass, a part of Swedish Modern Abstract Art Glass from the 1960s. This vase is so typic...
Glass
Erik Höglund for Boda, Amber Figural Art Glass Decanter, Sweden, 1950s
By Erik Höglund, Boda
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
$1,119
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
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
Blue Pressed Glass 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 ...
Iron
$936 / set
H 4.34 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 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
$936 / 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
$936 / set
H 4.53 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 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
Clear Glass Decanter "People" by Erik Höglund, Boda, Sweden, 1950s
By Boda, Erik Höglund
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
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.