Orrefors Signed Sculptural Crystal — Sven Palmqvist (c.1955–1970)

Overview

A finely made mid-century sculptural crystal piece by Sven Palmqvist for Orrefors, Sweden. Formed in dense, optically clear lead crystal with a deep internal lens, this compact object reflects Palmqvist’s exploration of purity, mass and controlled optical distortion during the 1950s–70s. Fully signed to the base and finished to Orrefors’ highest standard.

Details

Designer: Sven Palmqvist (1906–1984)

Maker: Orrefors Glasbruk, Sweden

Date: c.1955–1970

Material: Heavy lead crystal

Form: Small sculptural lens form with sealed top

Technique: Free-blown; internal concave lens; polished base

Height: 14 cm

Weight: 1095 g

Markings: Signed to base in Orrefors / Palmqvist script

Salient Points

Classic Palmqvist sculptural language: clarity, weight, internal cavity.

Comparable in approach to his post-Ariel solid forms.

Strong optical presence when lit directionally.

Smaller production volume compared to his tableware ranges.

A fully signed mid-century Scandinavian crystal piece.

Condition

Crystal clear and bright throughout.

No chips, cracks or bruises.

Minor light movement/surface marks from careful handling.

Base; Pristine, signature fully intact.

Structurally excellent.

Price Justification

Signed Sven Palmqvist pieces occupy a well-recognised tier of Scandinavian mid-century glass, valued for:

Proven authorship and clear design lineage.

High-quality, high-lead Orrefors crystal.

Technical difficulty of producing optical solids of this weight.

Collectability of Palmqvist’s sculptural work beyond his tableware designs.

Comparable market examples support a selling range of :£65–£110

A strong, authoritative example suitable for collectors of Scandinavian crystal, Orrefors design history, and mid-century optical forms.