Topic: Small Orrefors "insect" vase

[Ysala]

A couple of weeks ago I found this little vase decorated (a bit oddly) with different insects.
It's 80mm high and 72mm in diameter with a weight of 415g
I read the Signature at the base as Orrefors and there are also the letter "gb" on the side of the vase.

Love the insects but couldn't really find out a lot about it. Any ideas?

[Ysala]

And here are some pictures of the various insects:

[Ekimp]

Hi, this doesn’t look like the usual engraving you see on Orrefors does it, although I don’t know much about Orrefors. Really like these insects though.

I wonder if the initials on the side might be GC for Gunnar Cyrén. The possible GC signature on yours looks similar to the G and C in his full signature here: https://www.pamono.eu/bladskal-bowl-in-glass-by-gunnar-cyren-for-orrefors-sweden-1970s

Here is his website: https://gunnarcyren.se/projekt/gravyrer  Can’t see anything quite the same but the bike looks to be drawn in a similar style to your insects.

Alternatively, it could be an artist who used an Orrefors blank but with no official connection the the factory?

[kerstinfroberg]

I will give my opinion, even though it is not much more than a hunch...

I agree that the signature says Orrefors, but it must be made by a "beginner": first a smallish o, then a gap, then cursive rref, then a bigger O, then rs. Could it (the signature) have been made by someone wanting to "make it better"? Sigfnatures normally are much better "flowing" and often include a model number and/or some kind of code.

[kisslikeether]

The initials engraved on the body of the vase are inconsistent with the way Orrefors sign and I have never seen such a design in any of my catalogues. I therefore conclude that the engraving was done after market.

[chopin-liszt]

It is still lovely engraving and a wonderful thing to own.
It wouldn't bother me in the slightest that it was not all official. I would like to know the name of the engraver though. 

[kisslikeether]

Absolutely, some of the after market engraving can be exquisite.

[Ysala]

Thanks for all your input
It's been really interesting to read about your hunches & conclusions.

I totally agree, love those little insects and the way they have been engraved, even though everything seems to be a bit of a mystery
I did add a couple of clear, engraved glass (mostly Swedish) to my collection but this one is quite different and unusual.
Found it in Switzerland and will keep my eyes open on any future visits.

[chopin-liszt]

Quite possibly totally unique, a one-off, the only one there is?
And it is completely beautiful. I hope it brings you joy and pleasure.