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.
Blown Glass Vase by Ingeborg Lundin for Orrefors, 1957
By Ingeborg Lundin, Orrefors
Located in Sagaponack, NY
The "Apple" hand blown glass vase by Ingeborg Lundin. Signed on bottom, manufactured by Orrefors in Sweden, circa 1950s.
Blown Glass
Orrefors Dome Flush Mount, Sweden, 1960
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Bronx, NY
Orrefors flush mount ceiling plate is cream white metal with six European candelabra sockets the shade is a dome shaped pressed bubble crystal and details in brass.
Crystal, Aluminum
Blue Crystal Orrefors Lamps Design by Carl Fagerlund Orrefors, Sweden, 1970
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Bronx, NY
Blue Orrefors glass lamps with chrome fittings, signed Carl Fagerlund Orrefors. The glass body is 12" tall to the chrome fitting.
Crystal, Chrome
White Vase designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 2004
By Per B. Sundberg, Orrefors
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden. 2004. Glass. Dimensions: H: 22 cm/ 8 2/3" D: 20 cm/ 7 7/8" Unique. Signed Orrefors 9450-87 Per B Sundberg. Per B. Sundberg grew up in Huddinge, south of Stockholm, where he early showed interest in creative expression, including in textile. Sundberg applied and was accepted to the pottery division at Capellagården in Vickleby 1983-85. In the years 1985-1992 he studied glass and ceramics at Konstfack in Stockholm, with a break in 1988 to study at the Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle. Per B Sundberg altered the course of Swedish design in the 1990s with the advent of new techniques and the creation of experimental ceramics...
Glass
Pair of Orrefors Crystal and Brass Sconces by Carl Fagerlund, Sweden, 1950
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Orrefors sconces by Carl Fagerlund, 1950's, brass frames with one socket with thick half cone shaped crystal shades with wavy details in the glass. Brass frame and brass fini...
Crystal, Brass
Glass and Brass Pendant 3 Lights by Orrefors Sweden, 1960
By Orrefors
Located in Paris, IDF
Glass and brass pendant 3 lights by Orrefors Sweden, 1960 Good overall condition.
Brass
Pair of Large Vintage Swedish Table Lamps by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of large vintage Swedish table lamps by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, dating from around the 1960’s. The quality is superb, they are made from chunky, textured clear ...
Glass
Table lamp in purple and clear glass by Orrefors, Sweden, 1960s
By Orrefors
Located in Göteborg, SE
Vintage Orrefors Table Lamp, 1960s This elegant table lamp by Orrefors, crafted in the 1960s, features a striking combination of purple and clear glass. The base showcases a vibrant...
Brass
$3,450
An Orrefors Crystal Lamp
By Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
An Orrefors crystal lamp in a beautiful, deep shade of red with brass fittings. More than a lamp this is a work of art that will add a touch of glamour to a space. There is one left ...
Crystal
White & Orange Vase Designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 2003
By Orrefors, Per B. Sundberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden. 2003. Glass. Dimensions: H: 27 cm/ 10 2/3" D: 18 cm/ 7" Unique. Signed Orrefors 9454-87 Per B Sundberg. Per B. Sundberg grew up in Huddinge, south of Stockholm, where he early showed interest in creative expression, including in textile. Sundberg applied and was accepted to the pottery division at Capellagården in Vickleby 1983-85. In the years 1985-1992 he studied glass and ceramics at Konstfack in Stockholm, with a break in 1988 to study at the Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle. Per B Sundberg altered the course of Swedish design in the 1990s with the advent of new techniques and the creation of experimental ceramics...
Glass