Glass

Scandinavian glassmaking reached its high point in the middle of the 20th century, when factories in Denmark, Sweden and Finland began working with designers who treated glass as a material for sculpture as much as for the table. This category collects vintage Scandinavian glass from that period – art glass vases, bowls, decanters, drinking glasses and decorative objects. Makers represented here include Holmegaard, Kosta, Orrefors, Iittala and Riihimäki. Each glassworks developed its own character, from heavy cased glass in deep colors to thin, almost weightless forms and textured surfaces inspired by ice and tree bark. Most pieces are mouth-blown, so small variations in shape, wall thickness and the occasional air bubble are part of their character rather than flaws. Colored glass looks best near a window, where daylight brings out shades of amber, smoky grey, emerald green or cobalt blue. A few pieces in one color, grouped together on a windowsill or shelf, make a strong accent. Every item is an original vintage piece, not a reproduction. Each listing gives the manufacturer, the designer where known, any etched signature or original label, and an honest note on condition, such as scratches, chips to the rim or cloudiness inside.