Mats Jonasson Maleras Swedish Lead Crystal Rhinoceros #3143 (R) For Sale

Mats Jonasson (yu-na-son) has spent a lifetime working with glass. In 1959, at the age of 14, he joined the Maleras Glasbruk AB in Maleras, Sweden as an engraver. His father, who also worked there, knew his son was an excellent artist and recommended him for the job. Ten years later, Mats moved to Kosta, and then returned to Maleras in 1975. Since that time, his love of nature has manifested itself in his acclaimed crystal sculptures. Jonasson begins his work with a drawing. He then carves a plaster replica of the finished piece. Unlike plaster or resin collectibles, a silicone mold will not work with molten glass - the mold created from Jonasson's replica is iron. He then works on the iron mold directly, using diamond drills and files to clarify its details. The full lead crystal used in the finished piece is a special blend developed by the Swedish Glass Research Institute. This crystal is known for its extraordinary refraction and brilliance. After casting, the glass is annealed for 15-20 hours. Any pieces with imperfections - such as air bubbles - are discarded before the laborious post-production begins. This involves sandblasting portions of each piece, with various grades of cutting sand at different velocities. Each sculpture is then ground and polished, and finally minute details - such as plumage - are achieved with engraving. The quality of craftsmanship and artistry all but assures that Mat Jonasson's work will continue to grow in value on the secondary market. The Mats Jonasson glassworks began as Maleras glassworks, which was founded in 1924 in Sweden. Folke Walwing began working at Maleras in 1924, and was art director until 1970. Mats Jonasson began working at Maleras in 1959. In 1969 he left to work at Kosta, coming back to Maleras in 1975. In 1965, Maleras became part of the Flygsfors group, and then joined the Royal Krona group in 1974. Kosta Boda took over in 1977, and in 1981, the employees of Maleras bought the company and ran it themselves. In 1988 Mats Jonasson took over the company and became managing director and chief designer. The company is still in production today, under the name Mats Jonasson Maleras. 8”H x 4.5”L

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