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.
Mid-Century Glass Bowl from Orrefors, Sweden, 1960s
By Orrefors
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Glass Bowl from Orrefors, Sweden, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark Additional information: Materials: Glass Color...
Glass
Vintage Orrefors Zodiac Cut Crystal Decorative Bowl / Centerpiece
By Orrefors
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage circular faceted solid crystal bowl / centerpiece with tapered sides. (ORREFORS-ZODIAC) (has original box)
Crystal
Vintage 4" Orrefors Sweden Tulip Shaped Bowl Candy Dish Vase by Helen Krantz (B)
By Orrefors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 4" Orrefors Sweden Tulip Shaped Bowl Candy Dish Vase by Helen Krantz (B). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 4" H x 5.5" Diameter
Glass
Vintage 4" Orrefors Sweden Tulip Shaped Bowl Candy Dish Vase by Helen Krantz (A)
By Orrefors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 4" Orrefors Sweden Tulip Shaped Bowl Candy Dish Vase by Helen Krantz (A). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 4" H x 5.5" Diameter
Glass
$611Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Scandinavian Swedish Mid-century Modern Clear Crystal Corona Bowl, 1970s
By Orrefors, Lars Hellsten
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This crystal Corona Bowl was designed by Lars Hellsten for the Swedish glassworks Orrefors in the 1970s. Made of high-quality artistic crystal in the shape...
Crystal
Vintage Teak Hand Turned Decorative Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Awesome grain patterns in this vintage hand turned decorative teak bowl. Large format, 15x15x4.25 inches So much teak character
Teak
Vintage Shell-Shaped Sugar Bowl Italy, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Vintage Shell-Shaped Sugar Bowl - For Sugar, Sauces, Butter, or Jam - with Shell-Shaped Spoon - Italy 1960s - elegant Table Decor, Gift Idea This vintage...
Metal
Mid Century Danish Sculptural Teak Bowl, Handcrafted in 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful patinated bowl in teak. Handcrafted in 1960s Suits the modern interior.
Teak
19th Century Gothic Cut Crystal Irish Footed Bowl
Located in Hudson, NY
This Gothic revival cut crystal bowl is of a good size and simple yet impressive design. One of the major export elemnts from Ierland in the 19th century, cut crystal from this count...
Crystal
Mid Century Green Decorative Glass Flower Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative green flower glass plate from Italy. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Beautiful piece for every interior! Only one unique piece.
Ceramic, Glass
Midcentury Art Glass Bowl, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
In good original condition.
Art Glass
Large Danish Modern Carved Teakwood Fruit / Serving Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish hand carved teak serving / fruit bowl with exquisite grain and an impressive size: H: 5.13" x L: 18.63" x D: 11. Excellent, vintage condition with only a few light spots of f...
Teak
Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Chribska Glasswork, 1960s
By Chribska Glassworks
Located in Praha, CZ
Beautiful vintage art glass bowl made by the famous Chribska Glasswork in former Chechoslovakia in the 1960s. There is an engraved mark '1414' a...
Art Glass
$142
H 9.85 in W 6.7 in D 6.7 in
Vintage Transparent Decorative Crystal Glass Fruit Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative transparent crystal glass plate from Italy. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Beautiful piece for every interior! Only one uniq...
Ceramic, Glass
$557Sale Price|29% Off
H 2 in W 8.5 in D 5.5 in
1950s Danish Teak Freeform Carved Nut Bowl Table Centerpiece Vintage Modern
By Finn Juhl
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Obscure Danish Design Company, AL-BO. Highly finished, thin walled Teak wedge-shaped bowl.
Teak
Travertine Fruit Bowl, Centerpiece
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite beige travertine fruit BOWL, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious natural beige travertine, this stunning bowl is a testament to t...
Marble
Silver Travertine Fruit Bowl, Centerpiece
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite silver travertine fruit BOWL, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious natural silver travertine, this stunning bowl is a testament to...
Travertine
Orrefors Crystal Candy Nut Dish
By Orrefors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Orrefors crystal candy nut dish - multi faceted dish suitable as a decorative piece on your cocktail table or for serving at your party or bar!
Vicke Lindstrand 'Platina' Bowl
By Orrefors, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in New York, NY
Clear glass bowl with battuto (hammered) technique designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Orrefors, c. 1950. Incised signature, "Orrefors L-? 2253/4."
Two Orrefors Lead Crystal Bowls by Olle Alberius
By Olle Alberius, Orrefors
Located in Bellport, NY
In immaculate condition, two heavy crystal Orrefors Bowls or Vases from Sweden, designed by Olle Alberius. Sold as a pair. The measurements listed are for the larger bowl. The small...