This stunning, sandcasted-by-hand sculpture of Swedish Modern design art glass is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 -), considered as one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a pioneer of glass art. This particular piece is a rare work (1/1000 pieces) created at Kosta Boda.
The sandcasting of this piece involves hollowing out the shape of the vessel in a compressed bed of sand and any colouring for the external pattern is delicately laid out into the hollow. Molten glass around 14 – 1600 °C is then carefully poured into the hollow in layers. Any additional décor of coloured swirls, glass threads or pieces of sheet metal that can be seen suspended inside the piece is carefully placed into or created within the molten glass.
The exterior décor is a cradling of variegated Pthalo and Prussian blues, interweaving with Sap and Lime greens, creating the effect of the Crimson red swimmer figure gently spearing through warm, Equatorial waves. Suspended beneath the figure is the pointed whirl of Powdered violet intertwined with Lime green frit curling over itself. The minor scattering of air bubbles further elevates the oceanic effect.
This striking work of art glass makes for an excellent decorative as well as collectable art feature.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. The sculpture bears Vallien's signature 'B Vallien' and 'KOSTA BODA' on the surface and is inscribed with the model number: 'BBVAAT 949010/9000' on the underside. The side also bears the Kosta Boda label 'KOSTA BODA SINCE 1742'. Please note that the wooden stand is not included with the sculpture.
MEASUREMENTS
Sculpture Height: c. 1.7" / 4.2 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 6.7" / 17 cm in length x c. 2.1" / 5.4 cm in width (across widest point). Depth: c. " / cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 505 g
NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items. Please note that the wooden stand is not included with the sculpture.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Bertil Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of the illustrious Swedish art glass design and is represented in over 31 museums worldwide, including: The Swedish National Museum of Art, The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Corning Museum of Glass. His pieces have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his 'Head' and 'Journey' (Boat) series fetching over $20,000 USD.
Vallien claimed his own independent studio at Kosta Boda in 1963 and shortly became the leading ceramic designers at Rorstrand from the 1970s. Around this time, Vallien also explored sandcasting, a method traditionally used for industrial purposes to develop his famous method of sandcasting.
Vallien is internationally acclaimed for his sand-casted sculptural glass boats. These works of art carry infused symbols anchored in ancient myths and legends, representing livelihood, adventure, travel, birth, and death.