Willy Johansson Vases and Vessels

One of the largest Scandinavian Mid-century Modern Style Art Glass Bowl created by Willy Johansson (1921–1993) in the 1960s. Handcrafted in Norway by the iconic artist Willy Johans...

This stunning art glass vase was designed by Willy Johansson (1921 - 1993) for Hadeland Glassverk, Norway. It is smooth to the touch, but the appearance looks heavily textured with r...

Scandinavian Mid-century Modern Style Art Glass Vase Created by Willy Johansson (1921–1993) in the 1960s. Handcrafted in Norway by the iconic artist Willy Johansson for Hadeland Gl...

This is a striking three-piece Scandinavian modern art glass set comprising a textured disk vase and a matching pair of low candleholders from the "Nautilus" series, designed by Willy Johansson for Hadeland Glassverk, Norway. Design & Aesthetic The series takes its name from the nautilus shell (Nautilidae) and ancient spiral ammonite fossils, celebrated in design for their natural logarithmic spirals and ribbed chambers. Willy Johansson translated these organic marine contours into sculptural Scandinavian glass, capturing both marine geometry and raw Nordic nature. Each piece is cast in heavy, clear crystal defined by an exquisite tactile contrast: the dramatic, ruffled front and back faces—molded with deep radial fluting that evokes both a ribbed sea shell and the rippled texture of melting glacial ice—stand in sharp counterpoint to the flat, smooth, and high-polished outer edges. This juxtaposition between rugged, ice-like relief and pristine glossy borders intensifies the way the crystal catches, refracts, and scatters ambient light. The upright disk-shaped vase features a scalloped outer silhouette and stable flat base, perfectly paired with the two low candleholders designed to cradle standard taper candles. About the Designer & Maker Willy Johansson (1921–1993) was one of Norway’s most influential 20th-century glass designers. Born into a glassmaking family at Hadeland Glassverk, he trained at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry before serving as Hadeland's principal designer for several decades. His work earned numerous international honors, including Milan Triennale medals, celebrated for marrying functional purity with sculptural organic textures. The Nautilus series by Willy Johansson for Hadeland Glassverk was designed and introduced in 1968, with production running primarily through the late 1960s and 1970s. In Hadeland’s sales catalogs from that era, the series was introduced in trend with the growing international popularity of heavy, textured "ice glass" and organic brutalist glass forms pioneered across Scandinavia during the late 1960s. Specifications & Details Creator: Willy Johansson (Norwegian, 1921–1993) Manufacturer: Hadeland Glassverk (Norway) Model/Series: Nautilus Period: Circa 1960s–1970s Style: Scandinavian Modern / Ice Glass / Brutalist Materials: Molded and polished clear crystal Set Includes: 1 disk vase, 2 candleholders (pair) Dimensions: Vase: Height: 15 cm (approx. 5.91 in) Width: 5 cm (approx. 5.91 in) Depth: 5 cm (approx. 1.97 in) Candlesticks (Each): Diameter / Width: 7 cm (approx. 2.76 in) Height: 2.7 cm (approx. 1.06 in) Style: Organic Modern / Biomorphic: The radial ribs and fluted contours directly reference natural fossil and marine forms (specifically the spiraling chamber structure of the nautilus shell). The heavy, raw cast crystal with rugged, deeply textured relief surfaces juxtaposed against sharp, flat polished edges aligns directly with the modernist Brutalist decorative movement popular during that era. ABOUT CRYSTAL GLASS Crystal glass is a high-quality type of glass that contains a significant amount of lead oxide. The presence of lead gives crystal glass several distinctive characteristics, including enhanced clarity, brilliance, and a resonant, melodious sound when struck. Some key features of crystal glass include: Transparency and Clarity: Crystal glass is highly transparent and possesses exceptional clarity. This quality allows it to refract light beautifully and create brilliant, sparkling effects. Weight and Feel: Crystal glass is heavier than regular glass due to its lead content. The added weight provides a luxurious and substantial feel when holding or using crystal glassware...

Scandinavian Mid-century modern design Art Glass bowl, white with grey rim, Model K-2052, by Willy Johansson (1921 - 1993), from c. 1957. Handcrafted in Norway by the iconic artist ...

Magnificent glass vase by Willy Johansson for Hadeland. Superb color. Very good condition. Signed below.

Hadeland Glasverk Vase tapering conical shape in crystal internally decorated with dark diagonal stripes.