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
$1,350Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 1.13 in W 11.38 in D 11.38 in
1970s Textured Glass Pertti Santalahti Humppila Kivi Plates, Set of 12
By Humppila, Pertti Santalahti
Located in Miami, FL
1970s textured glass Pertti Santalahti Humppila Kivi Plates, Set of 12 Offered for sale is a set of twelve (12) ice-like textured glass "Kivi" pattern dinner plates created by Fin...
Blown Glass
$2,095Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 0.99 in Dm 14.57 in
Archimede Seguso set of twelve plates Murano glass 1970
By Archimede Seguso, Seguso
Located in Paris, IDF
This set of twelve plates, created by the Venetian master glassmaker Archimede Seguso, dates back to 1970. Crafted from transparent Murano glass, each plate is rimmed with gold, show...
Gold Leaf
$987Sale 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
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
2 Vintage Lynn Chase Dinner Plates from Jumble Jubilee Collection
By Lynn Chase Designs
Located in Austin, TX
The Lynn Chase Designs lovers among us lament that her collections are no longer produced. Her elegant, often whimsical and always beautifully executed design patterns touched the he...
Ceramic
Set of 6 Modern Charger Plates in Brass Made in Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning set of 6 charger plates, circa 1970s, retains original label 2, made in Italy, 1970s. Signed: "Centro Silver - Made in Italy".
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Hot Air Balloon Plates, Set of Six, 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Flights of Fancy: Piero Fornasetti "Mongolfiere" Hot Air Balloon Plates (Set of Six) This remarkable set of six ceramic plates in the "Mongolfiere" (Hot Air Balloon) pattern, dating...
Pottery
$476 / 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
1970s Los Castillo Plate Bronze and Silver Taxco Mexico
By Los Castillo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Los Castillo Plate Bronze and Silverplate Taxco Mexico Vintage patina and condition- worn finish on top. 5.75 in diameter x .5 H Original unrestored vintage preowned fair con...
Silver Plate, Bronze
$900 / item
H 0.79 in Dm 11.82 in
Five Lobster Plates in Clear Glass, Josef Frank, Sweden, Mid-20th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lobster plates, five plates in clear glass by Josef Frank. Produced at: Svenskt Tenn, Reijmyre / Gullaskruf, Sweden, mid-20th century. In good condition. Measures: 30 cm....