Sven Palmqvist Vase

Style Mid-century Modern
Materials Hand-blown Glass
Dimensions H 10.5cm, 0.6 Kg
Identifying Marks Signed
Condition Excellent Vintage Condition
Year 1950s
Series Kraka
Country Sweden

Hand-blown Glass Vase by Sven Palmqvist for Orrefors

This stunning original Modernist vase features hand blown clear crystal that encases an underlay of gold and blue tones 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!

This is a rare mini version of the 349 Kraka model. Etched on the underside of this vase is ‘Orrefors (maker) Kraka (series) n. 349 (design), Sven Palmqvist (designer)’. It is in excellent vintage condition (outstanding for age) with no notches, cracks, repairs or discolouration. 

It looks fantastic with the larger version of the same model, which you can view here!