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Gerda Strömberg (1879–1960) was a pioneering Swedish glass designer and one of the early female figures in 20th-century Scandinavian art glass. She began her career at Eda Glassworks of Värmland, Sweden between 1927–1933 designing functional, elegant glassware with her husband, Edward Strömberg, where he served as manager of the factory.
In 1933, Gerda and Edward acquired the former Lindefors glassworks in Småland, renaming it Strömbergshyttan (which means, "Strömberg's Glassworks"). Gerda became the primary designer for the company, establishing the signature artistic aesthetic that made the brand internationally famous. By 1941, she had designed over 3,600 models, and her work was shown at the 1937 World's Fair in Paris, and the 1939 World's Fair in New York. She received the Pro Patria Gold Medal in 1934, the Vasa Medal in 1939, an Honorable Diploma at the Milan Triennale in 1951, and was elected a member of the Order of the Polar Star in 1953.
Her style was characterized by austere, modernist functionalism—focusing on heavy, thick-walled glass forms, (like this decanter), clean geometrical lines, and subtle, understated colors (most notably a pale, ice-blue or steel-blue tint). Rather than relying heavily on surface decoration, her work highlighted the refractive quality, weight, and clarity of the crystal itself. Strömberg’s work helped define Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian glass. Her pieces are held in major public museum collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the National museum in Stockholm.
This important piece was made around 1940 and is in near mint condition. Arguably the finest condition of its kind around. No shelf wear. The last photo shows a 1 millimeter flea bite on the top edge of the stopper. If it weren't for that, this decanter would be literally MINT.
It is comprised of heavy lead crystal and retains its original factory label. Signed, ‘Stromberg 034’ at the base.
Measures 10” tall and weighs 2 lbs 14.1 ounces (1308 grams).
I ship expediently, and I take packaging seriously. I pack for optimal protection and safety in transit.
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