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.
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Orrefors Sofiero Cut Lead Crystal Fruit Bowl 20th C
By Orrefors
Located in Big Flats, NY
A crystal fruit bowl by Orrefors in the Sofiero pattern offers checkered diamond pattern with original label and signature as photographed, 20th century. Measures - 5.5'' H X 8'' W X 8'' D. A stunning Orrefors Sofiero cut lead crystal...
Crystal, Lead
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
Early 20th Century Swedish Cut Crystal Bowl with Rhomboid Base
Located in Knivsta, SE
Early 20th Century Swedish Cut Crystal Bowl with Rhomboid Base An elegant Swedish crystal bowl dating from the early 20th century, distinguished by its refined proportions and accom...
Crystal
$1,295
H 10.38 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Liquor Decanter, Cut Glass, USA, 20th Century
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Crystal whiskey decanter by Tiffany and Co. Features a vertical arching lines on top of cubic cuts garnishing the lower half of the decanter. ...
Crystal
Vintage Waterford Irish Lead Crystal Killarney Pedestal Bowl Centerpiece
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dayton, OH
Ornate and substantial, the Killarney pattern by Waterford is characterized by intricate deep cutting and classic design; showcasing the brilliant clarity of crystal. Whether you use it to display a centerpiece, or fill it with candy or potpourri, the Killarney 10-inch Bowl showcases its contents beautifully; making a truly original statement in stunning, brilliant crystal.
Crystal
Cut Crystal Bowl with Lid
Located in Vienna, AT
Extravagant cut and polished crystal bowl made circa 1970s in one of the Bohemian glass works. The cutting is especially fine and deep with the very intricate patterns.
Crystal
$897
H 3.55 in W 7.88 in D 5.52 in
Mid 20th Century Modern Frosted Crystal Bowl by Lalique Model "Compiegne"
By Lalique
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful crystal bowl from the French brand Lalique. The crystal has the shape of oak leaf and is satin-finished on the outside. The model's name is 'Compiegne'. The bowl is marked ...
Crystal
Early 20th Century English Cut Glass and Silver Plate Sugar Bowl
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming early 20th century English sugar bowl featuring a beautifully cut glass body and silver-plated lid with a matching floral-accented handle. Petite in scale yet rich in deta...
Crystal, Silver
French Crystal Fruit Bowl or Serving Dish
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful midcentury period hand-cut crystal fruit bowl or serving dish. Very good quality. This item is unmarked but is in the manner of many mad...
Crystal
$1,295 / item
H 11 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Orrefors Crystal Drinks Decanters by Nils Landberg 'Individually Priced'
By Orrefors, Nils Landberg
Located in Austin, TX
A fine pair of large crystal drinks decanters or ship's decanters for wine, whiskey, and spirits, designed by Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden, wh...
Crystal
$1,405
H 4.14 in Dm 10.04 in
Val Saint Lambert green cut-to clear crystal centerpiece fruit bowl, Signed
By Val Saint Lambert
Located in Delft, NL
Val Saint Lambert green cut-to clear crystal centerpiece fruit bowl, Signed A Belgium large green colored cut to clear crystal centerpiece from Val Saint Lambert, Belgium, establish...
Crystal
Lalique Crystal Bowl, Art Deco Design, France, Mid-20th Century, 15"
By Lalique
Located in PARIS, FR
Lalique Crystal Bowl, France This exquisite crystal bowl is a creation of the prestigious Lalique, France, dating from the mid-20th century, making it a collectible and historically...
Crystal
Vintage Lead Crystal and Hammered Metal Decorative Bowl Serving Bowl England
By Gorham, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Miami, FL
Handmade vintage lead crystal and hammered metal decorative bowl or serving bowl. 1960s unique and rare bowl made in England. Stamped 'England' un...
Crystal, Metal