Skip to main content

Orrefors Pitchers

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.

to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
354
24
23
22
21
Creator: Orrefors
Mid Century Modern Signed Blue Cased Glass Pitcher. Orrefors Circa 1960
Mid Century Modern Signed Blue Cased Glass Pitcher. Orrefors Circa 1960

Mid Century Modern Signed Blue Cased Glass Pitcher. Orrefors Circa 1960

$350

Mid Century Modern Signed Blue Cased Glass Pitcher. Orrefors Circa 1960

By Orrefors

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A tall and striking art glass vase by Orrefors, fully hall marked. Cased in a vibrant shade of blue over white this piece is stunning just on its own. In very good vintage condition

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Art Glass

Related Items
Mid-Century Blue Glass Pitcher
Mid-Century Blue Glass Pitcher

Mid-Century Blue Glass Pitcher

$550

H 11.75 in

Mid-Century Blue Glass Pitcher

Located in Queens, NY

Scandinavian Mid-Century-style wide base blue cased glass pitcher

Category

20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Glass

Italian Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Pitcher
Italian Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Pitcher

Italian Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Pitcher

$950

H 10.5 in Dm 9 in

Italian Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Pitcher

By Cenedese

Located in Atlanta, GA

Handblown glass pitcher with swirling teal, white, and amber coloration, flared spout, and applied handle. Likely Murano, mid-20th century. Polished pontil; light wear consistent wit...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid-Century Modern Eugene Deutch Glazed Ceramic Pitcher
Mid-Century Modern Eugene Deutch Glazed Ceramic Pitcher

Mid-Century Modern Eugene Deutch Glazed Ceramic Pitcher

$795

H 4.625 in Dm 4.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Eugene Deutch Glazed Ceramic Pitcher

By Eugene Deutch

Located in Cincinnati, OH

This glazed ceramic pitcher was made by noted Hungarian-born studio potter Eugene Deutch (1904-1959). Deutch studied under modernist sculptor Constantin Brancusi in Paris before emig...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century French Ceramic Pitcher by La Roue 'circa 1960s', Small
Mid-Century French Ceramic Pitcher by La Roue 'circa 1960s', Small

Mid-Century French Ceramic Pitcher by La Roue 'circa 1960s', Small

$492Sale Price|20% Off

H 5.91 in W 4.73 in D 4.53 in

Mid-Century French Ceramic Pitcher by La Roue 'circa 1960s', Small

By La Roue

Located in London, GB

Vintage French ceramic flower-motif pitcher by La Roue, Vallauris, France (circa 1960s). A charming, decorative piece with rustic and colourful details throughout. The ceramic is of ...

Category

1960s French Vintage Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Orrefors Mingus Martini Pitcher
Orrefors Mingus Martini Pitcher

Orrefors Mingus Martini Pitcher

$400 / item

H 5.71 in Dm 8.66 in

Orrefors Mingus Martini Pitcher

By Vicke Lindstrand

Located in Wilkes Barre, PA

Mingus is an iconic pitcher from Orrefors, designed by Vicke Lindstrand in 1934. The pitcher, which holds 50 oz, was originally used for serving martinis but is in this day and age m...

Category

2010s Swedish Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Crystal

1960s Italian Panorama Blue Glass Pitcher
1960s Italian Panorama Blue Glass Pitcher

1960s Italian Panorama Blue Glass Pitcher

$250

H 14.6 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in

1960s Italian Panorama Blue Glass Pitcher

Located in High Point, NC

Romantic and striking, this glass vase offers a unique vintage accent. Made in Italy in the 1960s, the shape is elegant and piercing: a slender handle gracefully merges with the colo...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Blown Glass

Antique Pink Diamond Quilted Cased Glass Pitcher
Antique Pink Diamond Quilted Cased Glass Pitcher

Antique Pink Diamond Quilted Cased Glass Pitcher

$250

H 9 in Dm 5.5 in

Antique Pink Diamond Quilted Cased Glass Pitcher

Located in Fulton, CA

A late 19th century cased glass pitcher. Circa. 1890. Beautiful pink and white diamond quilted pattern. Excellent original condition.

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Art Glass

Empoli Italian Mid-Century Cased Turquoise Glass Jug
Empoli Italian Mid-Century Cased Turquoise Glass Jug

Empoli Italian Mid-Century Cased Turquoise Glass Jug

$381

H 11.62 in Dm 4.34 in

Empoli Italian Mid-Century Cased Turquoise Glass Jug

By Empoli

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A stylish Italian mid-century turquoise cased art glass jug by Empoli. The jug stands on a flat round base with a rounded bulbous lower body and long slender neck widening towards th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Blown Glass

Steuben Glass Cream Pitcher, Hand Blown Crystal, Mid-Century Modern
Steuben Glass Cream Pitcher, Hand Blown Crystal, Mid-Century Modern

Steuben Glass Cream Pitcher, Hand Blown Crystal, Mid-Century Modern

$166Sale Price|20% Off

H 6.5 in

Steuben Glass Cream Pitcher, Hand Blown Crystal, Mid-Century Modern

By Steuben Glass

Located in Raleigh, US

Steuben Hand Blown Glass Elegant Footed Cream Pitcher This exquisite hand-blown glass cream pitcher by Steuben epitomizes mid-century modern elegance. Standing 6.5 inches tall, its ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Crystal

Colored blue and red stoneware ceramic pitcher circa 1990 signed Maya
Colored blue and red stoneware ceramic pitcher circa 1990 signed Maya

Colored blue and red stoneware ceramic pitcher circa 1990 signed Maya

$578

H 7.88 in W 6.3 in D 3.94 in

Colored blue and red stoneware ceramic pitcher circa 1990 signed Maya

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

Maya Signed under the base Colored stoneware ceramic pitcher Original good condition Red and blue colors Height 20 cm Large 16 cm

Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Italian Vintage Ceramic Pitcher, 1960s
Mid-century Italian Vintage Ceramic Pitcher, 1960s

Mid-century Italian Vintage Ceramic Pitcher, 1960s

$330

H 8.67 in W 5.91 in D 4.34 in

Mid-century Italian Vintage Ceramic Pitcher, 1960s

Located in LEGNY, FR

Very nice ceramic pitcher from the 60s with Italian inspiration. Beautiful graphic decor in blue and red. Unsigned. Very good condition.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Previously Available Items
Vintage Swedish Glassware 1960s Set 5
Vintage Swedish Glassware 1960s Set 5

Vintage Swedish Glassware 1960s Set 5

Sold

H 9.65 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in

Vintage Swedish Glassware 1960s Set 5

By Orrefors, Sven Palmquist

Located in Asaa, DK

Vintage Swedish glassware 1960s Set 5 Mid-century modern barware. A stylish and colorful addition to the bar cart or bar cabinet. This set ...

Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Orrefors Pitchers

Materials

Glass

Orrefors pitchers for sale on 1stDibs.

Orrefors pitchers are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Orrefors pitchers, although blue editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original pitchers by Orrefors were created in the mid-century modern style in sweden during the 1960s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider pitchers by Gunnar Nylund, and Rörstrand. Prices for Orrefors pitchers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $308 and can go as high as $350, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $329.
Questions About Orrefors Pitchers
  • Are all Orrefors signed?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    If 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 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Orrefors 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 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    To 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 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    Yes, 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 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Whether 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.

More Orrefors Furniture

Orrefors Glass
Orrefors Barware
Orrefors Crystal Serveware
Orrefors Serving Bowls
Orrefors Ashtrays
Orrefors Centerpieces
Orrefors Lighting
Orrefors Decorative Objects
Orrefors Vases
Orrefors Decorative Bowls
Orrefors Candlesticks
Orrefors Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
View All Popular Pitchers Searches