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.
Vintage Swedish Eden Glass Plate from Orrefors 1970s
By Orrefors
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Swedish Eden Glass Plate from Orrefors, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Glass Br...
Glass
Gustavsberg Argenta Plate, Swedish Art Deco
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Gustavsberg Argenta plate, Swedish Art Deco. Stoneware plate with silver inlay, circa 1930s, Sweden. Free shipping within the United States and...
Set of Four Fondue Plates, Gien Pottery, France, 1970s
By Gien
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, France - Maker: Gien - Good original condition.
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Specialita Vicentine Plates, Set of Six, Italy, 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
This complete set of six numbered porcelain plates from Fornasetti's Specialità Vicentine series celebrates the great dishes of Vicenza and the Palladian villas of its countryside. E...
Porcelain
$965Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 0.4 in Dm 9.06 in
Fornasetti Limited Edition White Porcelain, Black and Gold Printed Plates 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
These two splendid vintage round plates in white porcelain with black and gold decorations are an authentic piece of Italian history. They are a part of a limited edition born from t...
Gold
Piero Fornasetti Hot Air Balloon Plates, Set of Six, 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Mongolfiere Hot Air Balloon Plates, Set of Six This remarkable set of six ceramic plates in the "Mongolfiere" (Hot Air Balloon) pattern is a key illustration of Pie...
Pottery
$186Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 8.67 in Dm 8.67 in
Set of Four Fondue Plates, Gien Pottery, France, 1970s
By Gien
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, France - Maker: Gien - Good original condition.
Ceramic
Orrefors Carat Side Plate 7 1/2 2-Pack
By Lena Bergström
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
The Carat collection is based on a contemporary interpretation of the traditional cut glass for which Orrefors is world-renowned. The irregular geometry produces beautiful reflection...
Crystal
$275 / set
H 1 in Dm 10 in
Space Age 1970s Heller by Massimo Vignelli Mixed set 4 plates, 5 cups, 2bowls
By Heller, Massimo Vignelli
Located in San Diego, CA
Colorful set of 4 dinner plates, 5 cups and 2 bowls, designed by Massimo Vignelli for Heller circa 1970s, in a navy blue color, yellow, pink, and purple. 11 pcs set total.
Plastic
Set of 6 Oyster Plates in Ceramic, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 6 ceramic oyster plates, France, 1970s. A beautiful set of six glazed ceramic oyster plates, each with six compartments for oysters arranged around a central holder for lemon...
Ceramic
$468 / set
H 3.55 in Dm 6.7 in
Italian space age plastic bowls and plates by Angelo Mangiarotti, 1970s
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age plastic bowls and plates by Angelo Mangiarotti, 1970s White plastic tableware set consisting of six round plates and six round bowls. Stackable. Produced and design...
Plastic
Vintage Pressed Glass Fish Plates - Set of 4
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage Pressed Glass Fish Plates set of four—coastal-retro charm with detailed scales and divided centers, ideal for seafood, snacks, and entertaining. We sell items as acquired...
Glass
Pair of Oyster Plates in Ceramic, Francee, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of ceramic oyster plates, France, 1970s. Charming pair of glazed ceramic oyster plates, designed with six individual compartments arranged around a central receptacle for lemon...
Ceramic