Kosta Boda Mirage Vase, Medium

Swedish glass artist Göran Wärff is renowned for his signature motifs, which contrast bold strokes and flowing colors within heavy, brilliant crystal forms. His Mirage collection for Kosta Boda features vases where the colors harmonize subtly with the forms and depths, and the play of light within the crystal adds other captivating dimensions, hence the name "Mirage."

To create the Mirage vase, Wärff started with a traditional cylindrical shape, then arched it and pulled one side out to form a dense, wedge-like fin. Encased in the brilliantly clear, lead-free crystal are veils of color in three combinations: blue/amber, red/gray, and blue/green, that shimmer and change depending on the light quality, much like the mirage effect of heat in the desert. Each vase is a unique, hand-crafted piece made by master glassmakers at the Kosta Boda glassworks in Sweden.

Wärff, who has designed for Kosta Boda since 1964, is known for his fluid, organic forms often inspired by nature. He demonstrates how a crystal piece can be both solid and heavy, yet buoyant, when the form is sensuous and the color spirited. The Mirage vases, available in a 7-3/4 inch tall version and a 6 inch shorter variant, make superb gifts for art collectors, arriving in a Kosta Boda box that signifies the highest artistry in both design and craftsmanship.

Göran Wärff's mantra, "Glass is oxygen--light is energy--glass is light," reflects his deep connection to the material and his fascination with the play of light within the clear glass. Beyond the glass itself, nature and the optical phenomena it presents are his other main sources of inspiration. In addition to utilitarian and art glass, he has also created several large-scale installations that are exhibited in museums and collections around the world.

Kosta Boda, with its three glassworks in Kosta, Boda, and Åfors, has become one of the leading glasshouses in the world, known for its characteristic craftsmanship and design. The company's storied history dates back to 1742, when it was founded by two former army generals upon the instructions of the Swedish king. Over the generations, Kosta Boda has evolved from producing only utility glass to becoming an art industry where designers and skilled craftspeople work closely together, resulting in a diversity of individual artistic expression.

Today, Kosta Boda glass, including the vibrant, handmade art pieces from its various designers, is sold worldwide, with roughly 50% of production exported outside Scandinavia. The brand's heritage, rooted in the living tradition of craftsmanship developed in the Kosta, Boda, and Åfors glassworks, is a source of national pride for Swedes.

To maintain the beauty and luster of Kosta Boda pieces, it is recommended to wash them by hand in warm, soapy water, avoiding extreme temperature changes that could crack the glass. Each item is marked with the Kosta Boda name, the artist's name, and other identifying details, with art glass pieces also indicating the size of the limited edition or the uniqueness of the single design.

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