This magnificent work of handblown Swedish art glass is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist and designer. This piece is from the collectable 'Volcano' or 'Vulcano' series from the 'Artist Collection'. The Artist Collection concept was introduced by Vallien to give glass artists the freedom for personal, creative expression and to remove the 'mass-produced' feeling. Pieces are limited edition studio works, individual to the artist that created them.
This particular piece is gently freeform and sculptural, substantial, almost boulder-like and is composed of a frosted and iridescent, purple frit-glass giving the closely freckled effect. The iridescence shows of blues, greens and golds.
Embedded in the body are threads and two discs of red which displays a golden sheen. The veined and myriad decor mimics the moments of lava fragments pooling and coloured with a resplendently oiled iridescence.
CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs. There is negligible age wear, predominantly to the chrome lamp fitting and is consistent with the age of the piece - please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The base is engraved with 'BODA 98170 B VALLIEN'. The base is also labelled with the 'KOSTA BODA, SWEDEN' paper label.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 12.6" / 32 cm - including lamp fitting, height: c. 7.5" / 19 cm - excluding lamp fitting. Width: c. 8.3" / 21 cm in x depth: 6.9" / 17.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.4 kg / 2,363 g
NOTES
Lamp base will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Born 1938, Bertil Vallien was only 15 when he left home, drawn by the allure of the big city. After a series of occasional jobs, as a window-dresser at one of the main department stores in Stockholm, and as an apprentice in his father's decorating firm, Vallien would eventually decide to become an artist which would lead him into the world of ceramics. The guidance he received in his early career included that of Stig Lindberg - one of Sweden's foremost designers of ceramic art and one of the leading designers for Rörstrand in the 1970's.
A demonstration of Vallien's sand casting process: https://youtu.be/hjW7qoLvwYw
Today, Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of 20th century Swedish ceramic and art glass design and is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design as well as abroad in the Everson Museum of Art of New York.
Valiien's works have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his Head and Journey (Boat) series fetching up to $20,000 USD.