Author Topic: Kjell Engman for Kosta (Read 3918 times)

Anne E.B. · « **on:** June 05, 2006, 12:31:16 PM »

I've just bought a pair of these this morning.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/glassie/misc895.jpg and have a couple of questions to ask. They are both marked "Kosta 98225 Engman."

I know from Ivo's A-Z that these were designed by Kjell Engman for Kosta and that he joined Kosta in 1978. Googling designs by Engman haven't brought up similar looking pieces.

Firstly, what are they? I assumed that because they were bought as a pair, then they might be bookends. They are certainly heavy enough, each weighing 1¾kg.

Secondly, according to the information given, if I've understood it correctly, five digit codes have been used since the 1970s and that the last two digits indicate the year of design. So, what year could that be given that the code is 98225 and Engman joined Kosta in '78?

Last of all, why on earth did I buy them? :roll:

Many thanks

Lustrousstone · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2006, 02:13:24 PM »

I rather like them. You could use them for supporting your glass (info) books

Bill G · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2006, 03:06:58 PM »

Very interesting as this is the first time I have seen this work by Kjell.

The image in the glass is of an Orre bird which is native to Smaland in Southern Sweden.

Guess where the town name of Orrefors came from?

Kjell Engman is a noted designer with Kosta Boda. He now works almost exclusively at Boda Glass Works creating unique and unusual sculptures of cowboys, birds, fat ladies, etc.. His work is very unique and features the
use of colored powders in bright colors.

In my opinion, he and Bertil Vallien are the two most important glass artists living in Sweden .

Anne E.B. · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2006, 12:48:27 PM »

Many thanks Bill for the information

I must say the bird had me rather perplexed, so its great to know what it actually is, and its significance. Also good to know that I have a piece (well two

) designed by a much respected glass artist.

Frank · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:07:45 PM »

I guess you no longer need an answer to your final question.

Bill G · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2006, 02:48:48 PM »

Ops Frank, I will give my opinion about the second question.

I went to Kosta Boda catalog for 2000.

There is a series designed by Ulrica Hydman Vallien called "Tulipa"

A bowl comes in three sizes with the numbers: 59755,59756,59825

A vase is numbered 49714, etc. etc. etc.

The same appears for others designs in the catalog and other historic
catalogs.

Therefore, it is my opinion the last two numbers do not reflect the year of design or the year of production.

Frank · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2006, 03:29:50 PM »

Numbering systems can change for all sorts of reasons. Caithness had to change theirs to suit a new computer system that could not cope with letters.

Bill G · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2006, 06:02:00 PM »

I cannot agree more with Frank about companies changing their number
systems.

In looking at Kosta, it appears the numbering system has been consistant from June 1983.

As an example, Rolf Sinnemark did a series called "Boda Frost"
with the following number system:

Ash tray #1 78320
Ash Tray #2 78321
Ash Tray #3 78322
Karaff 88320
Ice Bowl #98320
Ice Bowl #98321
Snaps #98322

I therefore assume the last two numbers do not reflect the year the
pieces were designed or produced.