Overview
This sculptural glass egg was designed by Monica Backström as part of her long-running exploration of closed organic forms. This version places emphasis on surface rhythm and chromatic interaction rather than physical mass.
Color & Surface
The glass is built around an opaque white base that serves as a neutral field for a complex network of embedded color fragments. Irregular inclusions in deep blue, muted brown, ochre, soft grey, and restrained pink tones are distributed across the surface, forming a mosaic-like pattern that appears both structured and incidental.
The inclusions vary in size and opacity, some reading as solid color fields while others dissolve softly into the surrounding glass. As light moves across the surface, the pattern shifts subtly, revealing depth rather than flat decoration. The overall palette remains balanced and controlled, avoiding strong contrast in favor of tonal cohesion.
Form & Technique
The egg is shaped as a compact, well-proportioned oval with a gentle rise toward the top and a polished flat base that allows the object to stand securely. The silhouette is deliberately simple, allowing the surface treatment to carry the visual weight.
The glasswork technique creates the impression that color fragments are suspended at different depths within the body of the object. As with all hand-formed examples from this series, the internal composition is unique, determined during the hot-working process and never exactly repeatable.
Designer Context
Monica Backström is a key figure in Swedish art glass of the late 20th century, best known for her sculptural approach to form and material.
Her work marks a shift away from functional glass toward autonomous sculptural objects, while maintaining the material discipline and clarity associated with Scandinavian design. Backström’s pieces are represented in major museum collections internationally and remain sought after by collectors of Nordic studio glass.
Measurements
Height: approx. 12.5 cm
Condition
Very good condition. No cracks or structural damage. Minor surface traces consistent with hand-blown glass and careful use, visible only on close inspection.
