Orrefors Dinner Plates
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.
20th Century Swedish Orrefors Dinner Plates
Glass
20th Century Swedish Art Deco Orrefors Dinner Plates
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Dinner Plates
Ceramic
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Orrefors Dinner Plates
Blown Glass
20th Century American Space Age Orrefors Dinner Plates
Plastic
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Dinner Plates
Ceramic
1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Dinner Plates
Silver Plate, Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Dinner Plates
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Orrefors Dinner Plates
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Orrefors Dinner Plates
Ceramic
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Dinner Plates
Gold Leaf
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Orrefors Dinner Plates
Porcelain
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Dinner Plates
Ceramic
Orrefors dinner plates for sale on 1stDibs.
- Are all Orrefors signed?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022If the Orrefors piece was made using the Ariel technique, then yes, the piece will be signed by the artist and will also have a serial number and date code to help specify the production date. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Orrefors designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What country is Orrefors from?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Orrefors is from Sweden. The glassworks opened in Orrefors, Småland, in 1898 and began producing drinking vases, drinkware and other home goods in 1913. Shop a range of Orrefors glassware on 1stDibs.
- How do you identify Orrefors?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To identify Orrefors, look for a signature on the bottom of the piece. All pieces made after 1930 typically show the Orrefors name, a serial number and the word "Graal," which refers to the technique used to produce the maker's crystalware. You may also see the word "Sweden" or "Suède" on some pieces. Prior to 1947, Orrefors also indicated the year of production under the signature. If you're still uncertain of the authenticity, consider using the services of a certified appraiser. Find a variety of Orrefors pieces on 1stDibs.
- Is Orrefors Swedish?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Yes, Orrefors is Swedish. The glassworks produces its luxury crystalware at a factory in a village called Orrefors, located in Småland, Sweden. It has operated there since 1898. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Orrefors crystal pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is Orrefors crystal lead free?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Whether Orrefors crystal is lead-free depends on its age. Since 1951, the brand hasn't used lead in its pieces. Earlier crystal ware may contain lead. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Orrefors crystal glassware and decorative objects.