Sweden’s oldest glass company, Kosta Boda, also enjoys a reputation as the country’s most artistic and experimental glassmaker. Since the late 19th century, Kosta Boda has hired painters, sculptors and other artists for short stints — generally two or three years — designing glassware, ensuring that the firm’s aesthetic is always lively and fresh.
Two former army officers founded Kosta Boda in 1742 in Sweden’s densely forested Småland province. (Plentiful timber was needed as fuel for the melting furnaces.) The glassworks’ early products consisted of everyday glassware, such as drinking vessels and windowpanes. As the company recruited master craftsmen from Bohemia, it created fine crystal for an aristocratic clientele.
Kosta Boda began making art glass — that is, unique and limited edition pieces — with the hiring of the painter Gunnar Wennerberg in 1898. Wennerberg worked in the Art Nouveau style and brought a lush, organic look to the company’s wares. He was followed to the firm by artists such as Edvin Ollers, who in the early 20th century created rich geometric and abstract floral patterns that were engraved on clear crystal.
Two postwar Kosta Boda designers stand foremost in the minds of collectors. One is Vicke Lindstrand, who excelled at a technique called cased glass, in which a vividly colored or patterned section of glass is surrounded by and seems to float within a clear crystal body. The other is Erik Höglund, who had an almost artisanal eye for glass shapes, and liked to produce glass that had a textured, warped look.
Kosta Boda created works in an astonishing array of styles, with something to suit any taste.
Find vintage Kosta Boda vases, bowls and other furniture and objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Set of Three Art Glass Animal Paperweights / Sculptures by Kosta Boda Sweden
By Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
A very set of three art glass animal paperweights / sculptures by Kosta Boda Sweden, circa 1980s. The set includes a hippo, rhino and polar bear. They are in very good vintage cond...
Art Glass
Anna Ehrner Kosta Boda Cobalt Blue Crystal Paperweight, 1990s
By Anna Ehrner, Kosta Boda
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Anna Ehrner for Kosta Boda white crystal paperweight or votive candle holder. Kosta Boda white crystal candle holder by Anna Ehrner, 1990s A Kosta Boda votive...
Crystal
Pair of Small Crystal Candle Holders in the Style of Kosta Boda
By Kosta Boda
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality pair of modern glass candle holders in the style of Kosta Boda pieces made that are Sweden, but may be the work of Littala Crystal from Finland. Perfect vintage condit...
Art Glass
$501Sale Price|20% Off
Kosta Boda Granate Glass Vase by Anna Ehrner with White Thread Decorations
By Anna Ehrner, Kosta Boda
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This Kosta Boda Granate glass vase designed by Anna Ehrner is a compelling piece that seamlessly blends artistry with functional design. Ehrner, known for her innovative approach to ...
Art Glass
Pair of Black & Yellow Glass Handkerchief Vases by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
By Kosta Boda, Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of "handkerchief" style vases by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien for Kosta Boda, Sweden, 1980s. Whimsical graffiti style hand-painted pattern on mouth-blown art glass. Marked UHV at bottom.
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Art Glass Vase by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda # 41890
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Boda
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous piece of Art Glass by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda. Clear thick base which changes to yellow, green then blue. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear to the bas...
Art Glass
Wrought iron and glass candle lantern by Bertil Vallien for Boda - 1960s
By Kosta Boda, Bertil Vallien
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Wall decoration - Vase - Vintage Measures : 19cmx21cm H:36cm Materials : Glass - Wrought Iron Bertil Vallien is an artist who needs no further introduction for anyone who loves the...
Wrought Iron
Tall Swedish Green 'Primavera' Glass Vase Signed Anna Ehrner for Kosta Boda 1999
By Anna Ehrner, Kosta Boda
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A tall Scandinavian layered 'Primavera' green glass vase designed by Anna Ehrner for Kosta Glass, Sweden, circa 1999. Anna Ehrner (1948 -) is a Swedish designer and has designed glas...
Blown Glass
Blown glass vase design Bertil VALLIEN for KOSTA BODA. Anni 80
By Kosta Boda, Bertil Vallien
Located in Torino, IT
Blown glass vase design Bertil VALLIEN for KOSTA BODA. ORIGIN Sweden PERIOD Anni 80 DESIGNER Bertil VALLIEN is a renowned Swedish artist and designer, born in 1938. He is best kno...
Blown Glass
Artist Gunnel Sahlin Kosta Boda Sweden Purple Black White Cylinder Glass Vase
By Kosta Boda, Gunnel Sahlin
Located in Miami, FL
Light Purple Cylinder Art Glass Vase handmade by Gunnel Sahlin with abstract Black and white Center for Kosta Boda, Sweden. Gunnel Sahlin was with Kosta Boda between 1986-2005, this ...
Art Glass
1 of the 3 Pairs of Crystal Glass Votive Candleholders by Ravenhead, England
By Kosta Boda
Located in Rijssen, NL
This pair of votive candleholders designed by by Ravenhead, England are heavy, substantial and gorgeous. Inspired by nature. Also gorgeous on a holiday table! Please notice the price...
Glass
Vase 'Terra' designed by Monica Backström for Kosta Boda, Sweden, 2004
By Kosta Boda, Monica Backström
Located in Stockholm, SE
This vase from Monica Backström’s Terra series takes its inspiration from the irregular forms and surfaces of the natural world. Its softly asymmetric, almost planetary form is envel...
Glass
Vintage Kosta Boda Swedish Glass Lion Figurine, 1970s Modern Design
By Kosta Boda
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Swedish 1970\'s clear glass flat stylized lion figurine/paperweight (KOSTA BODA)
Glass
$1,810 / set
Edvin Ollers for Kosta Boda Pair of Glass Bowls
By Kosta Boda, Edvin Ollers
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of emerald green glass bowls by Edvin Ollers, a painter who also designed glass and pewter objects. We are particularly attracted to the glassware he designed for Kosta before...
Glass
Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda ‘Vagga’ Crystal Glass Bowl – Swedish Art Glass Design
By Göran Wärff, Kosta Boda
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
A timeless masterpiece by Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda, the Vagga crystal glass bowl is a celebrated example of Scandinavian art glass design. Crafted with exceptional precision, this ...
Crystal
$128Sale Price|43% Off
Kosta Boda Sweden Crystal Musk Ox Wooly Ox Göran Wärff Limited Edition WWF
By Göran Wärff, Kosta Boda
Located in Lutz, FL
Scandinavian Clear glass Muskox sculpture figurine designed by Goran Warff in 1973 for Kosta Boda as part of World Wildlife Fund" (WWF) Endangered Animals series. signed Kosta Warff ...
Crystal
Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Cranberry White Stripe Bowl. Swedish Art Glass, 1950s
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Boda
Located in Kansas City, MO
Swedish Mid-Century Modern cranberry and white striped glass bowl by Swedish glass artist Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda circa 1950. No chips crack...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Glass
Kjell Engman Art Glass Vase for Kosta Boda, 1960s Scandinavian Modern
By Kosta Boda, Kjell Engman
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kjell Engman vase in art glass. Made by Kosta Boda. Signed.
Art Glass
Signed Kjell Engman Kosta Boda Sweden Frosted Art Glass Flower Vase Vessel
By Kjell Engman, Kosta Boda
Located in Miami, FL
Orange and Gray-Blue art glass Flower Vase, Vessel, Bottle designed by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda, Sweden. Engraved at the bottom and numbered 89971. Exceptional Scandinavian Modern...
Art Glass
Bertil Vallien Art Glass Vase by Kosta Boda, Scandinavian Modern
By Bertil Vallien, Kosta Boda
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bertil Vallien vase in art glass. Made by Kosta Boda.
Art Glass
Kjell Engman Kosta Boda Catwalk Frosted Glass Vase Sweden Scandinavian Modern
By Kjell Engman, Kosta Boda
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern catwalk frosted art glass vase designed by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda made in Sweden. Engraved at the bottom and numbered, 7...
Art Glass
Kosta Boda Purple and Clear Art Glass Vase by Vicke Linstrand, Signed. Numbered.
By Kosta Boda, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Kansas City, MO
Purple and clear art glass vase by Vicke Lindstand for Kosta Boda, Sweden, 1950s. No cracks, chips or repairs. Might be light scratches to the bot...
Art Glass
Vase 'Höst' designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden, 1960s
By Kosta Boda, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta in the 1960s, the Höst vase, meaning “Autumn” in English, is a refined example of Swedish art glass. The composition depicts dark, branching tr...
Glass
1960s Bertel Vallien Large Swedish Art Glass Vase by Kosta Boda
By Kosta Boda, Bertil Vallien
Located in Knebel, DK
Early large and rare are art glass vase / bottle in very good condition with almost no signs of age and use designed by Bertel Vallien for Kosta Boda in the 1960s. The free-blown sw...
Blown Glass
Kosta Boda 'Brava' Glass Candlesticks by Ann & Göran Wärff — Set of Two, Sweden
By Goran and Ann Warff, Kosta Boda
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
A beautiful pair of “Brava” glass candlesticks designed by the celebrated Swedish artists Ann & Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda. Hand-blown in Sweden, these sculptural pieces embody the W...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Kjell Engman Clear Glass Candleholder for Kosta Boda
By Kjell Engman, Kosta Boda
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage clear glass pillar shaped candleholder designed by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda. Fits both tapered candles and tea candles. Designer: Kjell Engman Manufacturer: Kosta B...
Glass
$1,900 / set
Bertil vallien Glass Vases, Sweden, 1990
By Kosta Boda, Bertil Vallien
Located in Bronx, NY
Group of glass vases by Bertil Vallien for kosta Boda , Sweden 1990 White glass bowl and vases with colorful decorations. 3.5" - 10.5" Excellent condition
Glass
Glass Sculpture, Limited Edition By Göran Wärff For Kosta Boda
By Kosta Boda, Göran Wärff
Located in Lejre, DK
This glass sculpture, a limited edition piece by Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda, is a striking example of contemporary art glass. Crafted from f...
Art Glass
Unique Glass Sculpture by Monica Backström for Kosta Boda Sweden 1990s
By Monica Backström, Kosta Boda
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unique glass sculpture made by Monica Backström for Kosta Boda in the 1990s. Consists of two cylinder shaped glass vessels stacked on each other, both...
Art Glass
Kosta Boda Cobalt Blue Art Glass Vase, Sweden, Late 20th Century
By Kosta Boda
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Kosta Boda Cobalt Blue Art Glass Vase, Sweden, Late 20th Century This art glass vase from Kosta Boda, Sweden, showcases the bold color palette and expressive craftsmanship for which...
Art Glass
Swedish Vase / Bowl by Monica Backström for Kosta Boda Artist Collection
By Kosta Boda, Monica Backström
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Swedish very rare glass vase in the Kosta Boda series Artist Collection, designed by the glass artist Monica Backström. It comes with a folded, smooth rounded edge and ha...
Blown Glass
Elis Bergh Swedish Modern Glass Bowl, Kosta, Signed
By Kosta Boda
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
A very nice late 1920´s bluetoned glass bowl by Kosta after a design by Elis Bergh (1881-1954) Signed B305 Kosta on the bottom. Very nice condition. Elis Bergh, was an architect ...
Art Glass
Swedish Sculptural Tall Glass Vase by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Glasbruk
By Kjell Engman, Kosta Boda
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a colorful, sculptural glass vase by the Swedish glass artist Kjell Engman. It comes in a tall cylinder shape. It has a thick trunk and a thin, flat and very wide top like a ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Erik Höglund, Candelabra, Four-Armed, Kosta Boda, 1960s-1970s
By Kosta Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A four-armed floor candelabra, designed by Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda. Made in iron, blue glass and glass with motifs. 1960s-1970s.
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Polar Candleholders by Goran Warff
By Göran Wärff, Kosta Boda
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Polar candleholders are a Swedish classic. When Goran Warff created the Polar collection in the late sixties at Kosta Boda, he gave his candlesticks a form of ice block playing on t...
Crystal
Bertil Vallien Hand Blown Glass Vase for Kosta Boda
By Kosta Boda, Bertil Vallien
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1980s, Sweden. This handblown glass vase by Bertil Vallien, part of the Kosta Boda Artist Collection, features textured iridescent glass with a pearlescent finish. Renowned for his m...
Blown Glass
$592Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Painted Crystal Vase from the Kosta Wedding House
By Kosta Boda
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Painted crystal vase from The Kosta Wedding House.
Glass, Art Glass
Kjell Engman, Pair of bottles mod. Fidji multi color, prod. Kosta Boda
By Kjell Engman, Kosta Boda
Located in Rivoli, IT
Pair of warm-colored bottles with rounded shapes and long, proud necks. Great skill is required on the part of artisans to create the unique color combinations and gently rounded sha...
Glass