Sculptural glass vase in the form of a woman by Erik Höglund for Boda, Sweden, early 1950s, an important early example of Scandinavian modernist art glass exploring the human figure.
Rare figurative glass vase designed by Erik Höglund and produced by Boda, Sweden, made in experimental carborundum glass during the formative years of Swedish mid-century design.
Erik Höglund Boda glass vase depicting a female form, handcrafted in Sweden in the early 1950s, reflecting Nordic modernism and Höglund’s interest in folklore and the human body.
Early Erik Höglund art glass vase from Boda, Sweden, showing the origins of his later bubble-glass people decanters, sought after by collectors of Scandinavian design.
Swedish modernist glass vase by Erik Höglund for Boda, made using carborundum glass, creating a distinctive speckled surface prized in postwar Scandinavian art glass.
Handmade figurative glass vase by Erik Höglund, produced by Boda in Sweden, early 1950s, combining sculptural form with experimental glass techniques.
Close-up of a iridescent carborundum glass used to make an Erik Höglund person vase, Boda Sweden, an expressive mid-century Scandinavian design. Museum-quality piece. For sale n the UK.
Close-up of a Boda Sweden art glass vase by Erik Höglund, inspired by ancient fertility symbols and Nordic folklore, an early example of figurative Scandinavian modernism.
Head on shot of a Mid-century Swedish glass vase by Erik Höglund for Boda, handcrafted in the early 1950s. For sale in the UK from Nordic design gallery Art & Utility.
Playful image showing a sculptural woman-shaped vase upside down. Iridescent carborundum glass item designed by Erik Höglund at Boda, Sweden, showcasing postwar experimentation in Scandinavian studio and factory art glass.
Ground pontil mark on underside / base of an Erik Höglund Boda glass vase, early Swedish modernist design valued by collectors in Japan, the US, and Europe.
Detail of hand etched signature / makers mark on the base of a scandinavian art glass vase by Erik Höglund for Boda, early 1950s.
Artistic mood shot showing three iridescent carborundum glass vases of different sizes on a textured linen surface. Rare early Erik Höglund vases from Boda, Sweden. Named people decanters / vases / candlesticks each of designs displays a bold figurative silhouette. Rare Nordic collectible.
Boda

Erik Höglund Carborundum Person Vase

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A large vase in the form of a woman, designed by Erik Höglund and produced by Boda, Sweden, in the early 1950s. 

One of Höglund’s most recognisable bodies of work is his series of colourful bubble-glass ‘people’ decanters; human-shaped bottles topped with face-adorned stoppers. This well-known series evolved from much earlier designs, such as this vase, which dates from the period when Höglund was first exploring the human form in glass.

Exhibiting a wonderful handcrafted quality, the piece features an attractively large, bulbous silhouette. The shape of the vase’s neck suggests it may also function as a hyacinth vase, accommodating a bulb. 

The large vase is made from Höglund's 'Carborundum' glass; an experimental recipe where silicon carbide is added to the gather. The result is a beautifully speckled & iridescent glass which appears "glittery" in sunlight. 

The sculptural female form has been embellished with breasts. Two prunts (small blobs of molten glass) have been fused to the chest of the bottle. Historically, prunts were used on German glassware like Römers, and applied in patterns. Höglund was frequently inspired by ancient history and folklore, and this piece may be read as a playful interpretation of a vessel with applied seal, as well as an ancient fertility icon. When considered alongside other works, such as the 'Ladies & Gentlemen' series of jugs, the design could also be understood as tongue-in-cheek.

Model Number: H887

Designer: Erik Höglund

Manufacturer: Boda

Year of Design: C.1950

Dates Produced: C.1950-53

Colour: Grey

Height: 20 cm, Width: 17 cm

Condition: Very Good, one light scratch. 

Branding: Signed with model number.