Edward Hald (1883–1980) was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Swedish glass design, best known for his work with the esteemed Orrefors Glassworks. His innovative approach to glassmaking, particularly in the development of the Graal technique in the early 20th century, marked a significant milestone in the art of glass. Hald's "Fish Graal" vases, with their intricate aquatic motifs encapsulated in crystal-clear glass, stand as iconic representations of his mastery and creativity. These pieces, celebrated for their technical brilliance and artistic beauty, reflect Hald's profound understanding of the material and his ability to infuse traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Scandinavian design, solidifying his legacy as a master of glass art.

Orrefors

Wheel engraved glass. 
Signed 'Orrefors, 76.404 - 25'.

Glass

Vase

Havana coloured glass, sanded and wheel carved, cast glass, patinated brass. 

History:
A collaboration between Edward Hald at Orrefors Glassworks and Erik Tidstrand, Head of Nordic Kompaniet Lamp Department, NK.

Lighting

Ceiling Lamp

Literature
Archive, 'Nordiska Kompaniet', variants depicted, ca. 1926-28.
Magazine, 'Boet: månadsskrift för hemkultur, hantverk och konstindustri', Boet (Gothenburg), 1929, np.

Wheel engraved glass. 
Signed Hald 258 Orrefors 1924 ER.

Karlskrona

Glazed and partially gilded earthenware.
Each stamped with manufacturer's monogram / Hald / Karlskrona

Ceramics

Two Vases, Model no. 171

Hand blown and wheel engraved glass. Engraving executed by Karl Rössler.
Signed Orrefors Hald 480 KR (engraved by Karl Rössler) B2.

'The Bathing Tent' Lidded Jar

Decoration of fish in the " Graal" technique. Signed, Orrefors Edward Hald No.215. The Graal technique was introduced 1917.

Large "Fish Graal" Vase

Vase in the "Graal" technique from 1938. Decoration of fish and seaweed. Acid treated surface. Handsigned Orrefors Graal No 338 Edward Hald.

"Fish Graal" Vase

Acid treated surface to appear as icy water. Decoration of fish in the "Graal" technique. Signed Orrefors Sweden Graal Nr 617 Edvard Hald.

Fish " Graal " Vase

Rörstrand

Glazed ceramic. Manufactures marks and Rörstrands collection label. Signed dessin Hald
Provenance; Rörstrands collection No 139.

Floor Vase

Double layer Graal technique, Signed Orrefors Graal nr: 2465C Edward Hald.

"Graal" Vase

Etched and engraved decoration of women characters in flowers and embroidery. On life mirror monogram. Signed Orrefors. H. 568. 26.

Engraved Cup

Decoration of fish in Graal technique. Signed Orrefors Sweden Graal 1357.

Graal Vase

Decoration of fish in the graal tecnique. Signed Orrefors Graal nr 1628 Sweden and dated 16 February 1944.

Large 'Fishgraal' Vase

Engraved overlay blue glass of fireworks and spectators. Signed Orrefors Hald 248. B4 and engraver’s initials, engraved with monogram and commemorative date 23 / 7 1945. 

Originally trained as a painter, Edward Hald gained fame as a designer for the Swedish Orrefors Glassworks. Working closely together with Simon Gate, both him and Gate became leading figures of the Swedish Grace movement. The 'Fireworks' vase is represented in the collections of the world's leading design museums, for example Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The Metropolitan Museum describes the piece as follows: "This vase employs both techniques: an outer layer of royal blue glass is deeply etched to reveal the colorless (though frosted) layer below, allowing the design to be seen in a reverse-cameo effect. The dramatically flaring form and charming decoration are superbly integrated: stylized bursts of fireworks fill the expansive nighttime sky, while a parade of fashionably dressed spectators in a park setting below creates a continuous frieze at the bottom of the vase, visually anchoring it to its narrow base."

Literature;
Jennifer Hawkins Opie, Scandinavia: Ceramics & Glass in the Twentieth Century, exh. cat., Victoria & Albert Museum, London, 1989
Derek Ostergard and Nina Stritzler-Levine, eds., The Brilliance of Swedish Glass, 1918-1939: An Alliance of Art and Industry, exh. cat., The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, New York, 1996, p. 194, fig. 38

'Fireworks' Vase

Blown glass. 
Engraved 'Hald' and 'Orrefors' to base.

NK Nordiska Kompaniet

A collaboration between Edward Hald at Orrefors Glassworks and Erik Tidstrand, Head of Nordic Companys Lamp Department, NK, in the year 1928.
Rio brown glass shade and glass drops designed by Edward Hald. Nickel plated brass stem and metal details designed by Erik Tidstrand.
Reference: "Hemmet och den moderna smaken i Sverige" by Nils G Wollin.
A related ceiling lamp in picture 78, page 99.

Neoclassical Ceiling Lamp

Decoration of fish and seaweed in the "Graal" technique. Carved ad polished decoration. Signed ´Orrefors Graal nr. 120E Edward Hald´.

Orrefors Vase

Blown and engraved glass in the form of a cage with monkeys. Signed and original Orrefors label. Designed in 1923. 
Literature; 
Simon Gate & Edward Hald, A Hald; E Wettergren,  page 73.

'Monkey Cage' Lidded Jar

Decanter and 11 Glasses engraved with boating scenes. Signed Orrefors 34728.f.
Produced by Orrefors.

Decanter h.26cm/10,2"
Glasses h.7,5cm/3"