Erik Höglund Heavy Brick Vessel

A large Erik Höglund vessel brick with a stylised bull motif stamped into the bowl. 

Höglund designed a number of small dishes in 1957, each with a stamped motif and usually depicting an animal or face. These playful, colourful trays are some of the most well-known objects produced at the Boda glassworks in Sweden. This ashtray is related to these much-loved items, but an unusually large and heavy example.

The exaggerated form has been poured into a mould and then hand-worked to create grooves at the rim. The depth of this item allows it also to be sturdily placed on its side, to display the image within.

This object is very characteristic of Erik Höglunds work. He developed his distinct style during the 1950's, taking inspiration from the simple forms found in primordial artefacts.