Erik Höglund ‘Tjur’ Vase

The popularity of Erik Höglund’s highly individual works in glass reached a sensational peak during the 1960’s when his unique style was hugely successful for the Boda glassworks in Sweden. Many designs from this period, along with Höglund himself, have become enduring icons of Swedish modernism.

Höglund left the Boda glassworks in 1973, not returning to glass until the 1980’s. Although Höglund’s work is deeply rooted in a specific kind of modernism, some of his most striking and artistically successful designs are his interpretation of the post-modern aesthetic, some of which are as equally revered and iconic as his earlier work.

This decorative hand-blown vase is from the ‘Tjur’ (Bull) series of 1992, and features the opaque red face of a bull-calf encased within clear glass. The calf’s ears extend beyond the rim of the vase, and have been tooled by hand to convey a softness. 

This striking piece is an example of Höglunds successful experimentation with colour and form during the Post-Modern period.