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.
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Wine Glass Blue Drop Erika Lagerbielke Sweden Set 2
By Orrefors
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, pair of Orrefors Intermezzo Blue wine glass featuring a distinct dark blue drop trapped inside the clear crystal stem. Designed by Erika Lagerbielke (introduc...
Crystal
Scandinavian Modern Glass Vase Orrefors "Haze" Erika Lagerbielke, Sweden
By Orrefors
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful art glass vase "Haze" designed by Erika Lagerbielke and produced at Orrefors, Sweden. Good condition, signed and labeled Measures: H 23....
Art Glass
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Snaps
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Snaps from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass, which holds 2 oz, is ideal for serving spirits. Intermezzo Snaps is mouth-blown in Sweden by expert glassblowers and h...
Crystal
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Wine
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Balance from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass, which holds 14 oz, suits all kinds of wine, including white, red, and rosé. The tulip shape of the bowl brings out t...
Crystal
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Bouquet
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Bouquet from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass, which holds 20 oz, is outstanding for all nuanced and mature red wines, regardless of grape. The large bowl allows t...
Crystal
Moser Crystal Casanova Wine or Cocktail Glass
By Moser Glassworks
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, tall and substantial crystal stemware glass, known as the Casanova, a water, wine or cocktail glass by iconic luxury glass maker Moser Glassworks, circa late-20th century, Czech Republic...
Crystal
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Tumbler
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Tumbler from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass, which holds 13 oz, is intended as a highball glass for mixed drinks, with or without alcohol. Intermezzo Tumbler is ...
Crystal
Orientes Vase by Erika Lagerbielke for Orrefors Schweden 2002
By Orrefors
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Orientes Vase by Erika Lagerbielke for Orrefors Schweden 2002 A vintage vase "Orientes" from the "The four points of the compass" series. Designed by Erika Lagerbielke for Orrefors Schweden. Black and red glas...
Art Glass
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Wine Carafe
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Carafe from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The carafe, which holds 37 oz, is intended for both wine and water. It is mouth-blown in Sweden by expert glassblowers and has a...
Crystal
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Wine 2-Pack
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Balance from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass holds 14 oz and suits all kinds of wine, including white, red, and rosé. The tulip shape of the bowl brings out the f...
Crystal
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Tumbler/Juice
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Tumbler/Juice from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass, which holds 9 oz, is intended as a smaller highball glass for juice and other non-alcoholic beverages. Interme...
Crystal
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Coupe
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Coupe from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass, which holds 12 oz, is well-suited for sparkling beverages, as well as cocktails, with the wide bowl delivering eleganc...
Crystal
Orrefors Intermezzo Blue Ice Beverage
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Intermezzo Ice Beverage from Orrefors was designed in 1984. The glass holds 15 oz and is mouth-blown in Sweden by expert glassblowers. Intermezzo Ice Beverage has a drop of blue seal...
Crystal