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.
Vintage Amber Glass Platter by Erik Hoglund for Boda Glasbruk, 1960s
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Dublin 8, IE
A stunning 38 cm amber glass platter by Erik Höglund for Boda Glasbruk, Sweden, dating from the 1960s. This sculptural piece showcases Höglund’s signature “bubble” design, where trap...
Glass
$1,008
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
$1,956 / set
H 9.85 in W 1.58 in D 0.79 in
Cutlery Set by Helmut Alder for Amboss Model 2070, 32 Pieces, 1960s
By Helmut Alder, Amboss Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
This cutlery (model 2070) consist of 32 pieces. Designed by Helmut Alder, produced by "Amboss Neuzeughammer Steyr" Austria in the 1960s. High quality stainless steel cutlery. He...
Stainless Steel
$705 / set
H 4.34 in Dm 4.34 in
Erik Höglund Set of Two Art Glass “Robot” Ashtrays, Kosta Boda, Sweden, 1960s
By Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sweden, circa 1960s. These iconic pieces exemplify Höglund’s playful yet primitive aesthetic, featuring deeply cast figural motifs encased within thick, richly colored glass. The la...
Art Glass
$320 / set
H 1.19 in Dm 6.7 in
Kjell Blomberg for Gullaskruf. Four “Vineta” plates in ruby-red art glass. 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Kjell Blomberg for Gullaskruf “Vineta”, set of four plates, 1960s. Set of four flat plates in ruby-red art glass from Gullaskruf, model “Vineta,” distinguished by its optical dotted ...
Art Glass
$349
H 2.56 in W 18.12 in D 9.85 in
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes...
Glass, Teak
Erik Höglund Mid-Century Signed Orange Footed Art Glass Vase for Bodą c. 1960s
By Erik Höglund
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Swedish Footed Orange Art Glass Vase by Erik Hoglund for Boda (1932 - 1998). Engraved on bottom: "H 1671/193."Vintage Swedish Orange Footed Art Glass Vase by Erik Hoglund for...
Blown Glass, Glass, Art Glass
Italian modern smoke glass by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1960s
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Joe Colombo
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern smoke glass by Joe Colombo for Arnolfo di Cambio, 1960s Smoke glass all made of glass. The cylindrical bowl is made of transparent glass, while the side stem and round...
Glass
$616 / item
H 0.71 in W 11.03 in D 11.82 in
Plate Platters Tsbleware Amber Onyx Marble Collectible Design Hand-carved Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell, Pieruga Marble
Located in Ancona, Marche
Hand carved presentation plate from Amber onyx. Multiple use as plates, platters and placers. The polished finishing underlines the transparency of the onyx making this a very precio...
Onyx
$770
H 4.73 in W 14.18 in D 13 in
Danish Thule Series Art Glass Bowl by Per Lütken for Holmegaard, 1960s
By Royal Copenhagen, Per Lutken for Holmegaard
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Holmegaard Bowl THULE by Per Lutken 1960s. Danish design. Stunning Scandinavian modern Vintage Center piece - Heavy Holmegaard Aqua blue Art Glass Bowl - design year 1960....
Art Glass
36 Czechoslovakian Glass Spoons from the 1960s
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Never used, 36 Czechoslovakian glass spoons from the 1960s. 6 yellow 12 gold 9 salmon 9 amber.
$300Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in Dm 3.25 in
Small Figural Glass Decanter by Erik Hoglund for Boda Glassworks
By Erik Höglund, Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
A super rare small figural glass decanter by Erik Hoglund for Boda Glassworks of Sweden, circa 1960s. The decanter is in very good condition with the exception of a small chip on the...
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