Kosta Boda Caramba 8" Hand Painted Vase by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, c. 1990's

Signed and dated by one of Sweden most prominent glass artists, Ulrica Hydman-Vallien (1938-2018), one wonders if this incredible Caramba vase for Kosta Boda Glassworks is all about white versus black, life versus death. It's gorgeous art, its message being open to anybody's guess.

This mouth blown 8"H vase of transparent white depicts the side view of a lively face, beautifully drawn with thick brush strokes of flowing hair, leaf shaped eyes, and a vine-like neckline, along with an abstract wild flower.

Facing this figure is a black dog, which we interpret to be a xoloitzcuintli, considered by the Azetcs and Mayans to both ward off evil spirits and guide the dead into the underworld, mystically drawn with a serpents tail. Just above the tail is a black circle, detailed with an open ended coiled line, also signed by the artist.

Ulrica Hydman-Vallien's glass art Caramba tells a story, open to study, and yes, a very striking piece. 

NOTE: Do Not Machine Wash

Origin: Kosta, Sweden; pre-owned

Dimensions: 8"H x 5"W (est.)

Condition: Great. This piece is all handmade and nothing is seen except for the underside, which has a somewhat rough feel; this is from manufacturing. There are no chips, cracks, or stains.