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International Art Treasures Web Magazine February 2004 |
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Kingdom of Crystal
Sweden's prowess in the crystal arts dates back to the 1500's and owes homage to the talents of the Venetian glassmakers world famous then and now. King Gustav Vasa was credited with introducing Sweden to the Venetian artisans, however, like much in art history, this fact is in dispute. At first the glass factories were located near Stockholm but the need for fuel eventually drew the makers to the forested Småland where they thrive today. Kosta, founded in 1742, still exists today claiming the title oldest glassworks in Sweden.
Fifteen famous glassmakers are to be found in the province of Småland in the heavily forested South of the Scandinavian country. Year round the glass makers open their factories, making it possible to view the craft perfected by the Swedish artisans.
Nybro, Boda, Orrefors and Kosta are just a sample of the impressive studios to be found in an area known as The Kingdom of Crystal.
Swedish glassmaking was heavily influenced first by Venetians and later German ingenuity. The Swedes however added to the artistry. They were the first to engrave glass in designs other than monograms. Orrefors, originally an ironworks, became a dominant glass maker of Sweden renowned for it's pioneering techniques in the field. The famous motto "Make something beautiful, take all the time that you need" is credited to Orrefors President. The Orrefors developed two key techniques, first graal and later engraving.
Graal is named for the Holy Grail, the cup of Christ, which results in the contrasting of clear and colored areas within the individual piece. This is done by overlaying different glass during the firing until the desired result is achieved. To add decoration after is not considered a Graal piece. Swedish glassworks are impressive and artistic, much like their homeland. |
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