The Swedish design philosophy of “beautiful things for everyday life” is actualized in the vintage glassware of Orrefors. Founded in 1898, this glass manufacturer was one of the leading companies in the Scandinavian modernism movement and is revered by collectors for the fine craftsmanship and innovation of its superlative art glass.
Orrefors began making art glass — works that, distinct from mass-production pieces, are made in small numbers to showcase the skills and talents of artists and artisans — in 1913. Two of the first artists hired by the firm were Simon Gate and Edward Hald, who worked initially in the organic Art Nouveau style, and later proved adept with the geometric imagery of the Art Deco period.
Hald and Gate worked closely with glassblowers to refine traditional glassmaking methods, creating new materials such as "graal" glass. In the graal technique a design made with colored glass is encased in layers of transparent glass, preserving the image while the overall glass form is worked and shaped. Orrefors won an international following when it presented such pieces in Paris in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes — the design fair whose name gave rise to the term Art Deco.
In the years following that success, Orrefors attracted more dynamic and experimental artists such as Vicke Lindstrand and Edvin Ohrström, who joined the company in the 1930s. Lindstrand and Ohstrom worked with glassblowers to create the "ariel" glass technique, an innovation that produces deeper, richer imagery that seems to morph and flow as light is refracted by the glass.
As you will see from the items offered on 1stDibs, there is a special aesthetic quality to vintage Orrefors glass. Whether a vase or a set of wine goblets, the work of this premier Swedish company represents the apex of functional artistry.
| Average Sold Price |
| $2,169 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$10,800
H 21.66 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Brass and Textured Glass Chandelier 1960s
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, chandelier, brass and glass, Sweden, 1960s. An elegant chandelier featuring a wide bowl composed of beautifully textured glass elements, arranged in a r...
Brass
$1,120
H 19.75 in Dm 14 in
Gorgeous 1960s Glass and Brass Pendant Chandelier by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning Scandinavian ceiling pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden, combining timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. The fixture features a soli...
Metal, Brass
$54,000
H 42.92 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in
Exceptionally Large-Scaled Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Glass Chandelier
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, very large chandelier, glass, brass, Sweden, 1950s/1960s A majestic Swedish Mid-Century chandelier designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors. ...
Brass
Carl Fagerlund, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Pa...
Brass
Edward Hald for Orrefors Chandelier in Brass and Glass
By Edward Hald, Orrefors
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Hald for Orrefors chandelier, 'HD 8532', Sweden, 1940s Elegant chandelier designed by Edward Hald for Orrefors in the 1940s. Model HD 8532 features a finely crafted glass sha...
Brass
Carl Fagerlund, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and glass pendant light designed by Carl Fagerlund and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Pat...
Brass
$88Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 9.45 in W 4.89 in D 1.78 in
Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Chandelier/Sconces Replacement Ice Glass Lamp Shades
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Andernach, DE
Individual Murano glass lamp shades (colourless) of a Carl Fagerlund chandelier. Bubbly frosted Acanthus leaves. They are part of an originally 10 armed Orrefors Chandelier and this ...
Murano Glass
Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Ruby Red Glass Table Lamp, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking mid-century modern table lamp designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden, circa 1960s. This sculptural piece features a vivid ruby red glass core encased in thick, clea...
Art Glass
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $2,169 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $69-$6,650 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
