Shepherd Etch on Crystal Karhula Art Glass Vase

Shepherd Etch on Crystal Karhula Art Glass Vase

Stunning mid 20th Century Finnish crystal with detailed etching. In Excellent Condition, with bottom-wear (expected). Signed GH Karhula in freehand etch on seat rim.

Karhula glass is a product of the Karhula Company, Karhula, Finland. Established in 1888 by William Ruth. Karhula glass is known for it’s purity and exceptional clarity, due partly to the use of wood as furnace fuel. Karhula merged with Iittala glassworks in 1917, subsequently known as Karhula-Iittala.

This vase is a creation of artist Goran Hongell who worked for Karhula between 1932 and 1957. A critic wrote: “Hongell manages some truly rhythmic compositions based on this particular style. Unspecious aesthetic balance marks Hongell designs. Harmony of shape and lines with the purpose of the piece, rather than the solution of equations of art, endow his glass with appealing beauty. Rather disposed to flowing curves and animate subjects.”

The charming 3-dimensional etching is of a shephard, his flock of sheep and his alpine cabin. Large vase measures 9.25″ tall, 6″ wide mouth and a 4″ wide base.