Brand: Kosta Boda

Kosta Boda glass factory is most famous in Sweden, the country that was also known in 20th century as a Crystal Realm for it's leading position in Scandinavian glass design.

The most prominent Swedish glass designers, such as Erik Höglund and Bertil Vallien worked here. The vintage heritage of Kosta Boda is diverse and able to satisfy the most discerning tastes.

Kosta Boda can trace its roots back to 1742, when two Swedish army officers established a glassworks in Småland, nestled deep in Sweden’s famed “Kingdom of Crystal.” The name itself: “Ko” from Koskull and “Sta” from Staël both reflects its founders’ heritage. Over the centuries, Kosta grew from making utilitarian items like bottles and windowpanes into an ambitious art-glass producer.

Rise of Artistic Glass

In the mid-20th century, Kosta Boda shifted direction, hiring in-house designers and merging with other local glassworks. The result was a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and experimental artistry. Under the guidance of creative directors like Vicke Lindstrand, new techniques in color and form emerged, and artists such as Erik Höglund and Bertil Vallien came on board, shaping Kosta’s reputation.

Iconic Series & Designers

From everyday drinkware to sculptural pieces, Kosta Boda’s archive is rich. Bertil Vallien’s Château line (1981) became one of the most successful handcrafted stemware collections ever, known for its twisted cups and optical patterns. Earlier, Erik Höglund introduced playful animal motifs and bold organic forms in the 1960s. Vicke Lindstrand and others added textural drama, like “Unika” vases with optically cut surfaces.

Timeless Legacy

Today, Kosta Boda remains Sweden’s oldest active glassworks and a key pillar of the Kingdom of Crystal. Its pieces populate major museums, including Stockholm’s National Museum and New York’s MoMA, and the factory continues to innovate while honouring centuries-old processes