Sven Palmqvist Vase

Style Mid-century Modern
Materials Handblown Glass
Dimensions H 32.5cm X W 10cm, 3kg
Identifying Marks Signed
Condition Very Good Vintage Condition
Year 1955
Series Kraka
Country Sweden

Handblown Glass Vase by Sven Palmqvist for Orrefors

This stunning original Modernist vase features handblown clear crystal that encases an underlay of pale gold and vibrant cobalt blue in a lattice pattern with internal bubbles. It was designed by the renowned Swedish glass artist Sven Palmqvist using his Kraka technique, which he developed with Orrefors in 1944. Here, the illusion of a net appears suspended within the glass. The unique effect is created by the use of a copper wire mesh that traps air bubbles when an outer clear encasing of glass is applied – all by hand.

Interestingly, the name of the technique was inspired by an old Nordic legend, in which the beautiful Viking princess Kraka is summoned by King Ragnar. He requested that she meet him ‘neither dressed nor undressed’ so she chose to wrap herself in a fishnet, much to his delight apparently!

Etched on the underside of this vase is ‘Orrefors (maker) Kraka (series) n. 322 (design), Sven Palmqvist (designer)’ This vase is in very good vintage condition (fantastic for age) with no notches, cracks, repairs or discolouration. There is some minimal visible surface wear commensurate with age, please see image 6 for close up of this.