EDWARD HALD (1883-1980). Lot n° 39

EDWARD HALD (1883-1980). Glass vase, design Edward Hald. Sweden 1960s. Signed on the reverse "Orrefors, Graal 146 n Edw... Hald". Size: 20 x 14 x 14 cm. Tall graal vase designed by Edward Hald for Orrefors, in crystal glass with green shades. Beautiful underwater motif with fish, in which the layers of glass create a lively, aquatic effect with fish and algae. Edward Hald was determined to become an artist and began his studies as a painter in 1904 in Copenhagen (under the supervision of Johan Rohde) and later in Stockholm and Paris (partly under Matisse). He first exhibited as an artist in Stockholm in 1909. In 1917, after a major exhibition in Lund, he became interested in glass and ceramics. After designing ceramics for Rorstrand, Hald joined Orrefors glassworks in 1917. For almost thirty years he formed a close association with Simon Gate, another important Orrefors designer. He was responsible for a number of important early works, including the famous Graal fish vase, which first appeared in 1937. Together with other designers at Orrefors he continued to experiment with Graal, other glass and manufacturing techniques. In 1973 Orrefors held a retrospective exhibition of his works in honour of his 90th birthday. His last exhibition was held in 1978 in Oslo.