Erik Höglund Carborundum Shouldered Vase

A large, early ‘Carborundum’ vase by Erik Höglund, designed circa 1955 for Boda, Sweden.

This shouldered vase is part of an experimental series by Höglund in which silicon carbide was added to the molten glass. This technique gives the glass an unconventional depth of character with an even covering of tiny metallic speckles.

Höglund designed a collection of elegant free-blown shapes for his new glass recipe, all of which are now highly collectable. This tactile vase features a cylindrical body with curved shoulders and a dramatically flared rim. The distinct form of this vase was revisited by Höglund during the 1960’s for later designs.

The blue ‘Carborundum’ series was one of Höglund’s earliest works for the Boda glassworks and the playful, informal approach to design set the stylistic precedent for his celebrated career.

The experimental series was first presented to the public in 1956 as ‘Blå Bubblor’ (Blue Bubbles) and was only in production for a short time.