Kosta Boda Open Minds Vase

The Open Minds collection was designed by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, one of Sweden's most celebrated glass artists and a long-time designer for Kosta Boda. She was known for her bold, expressive hand-painted designs featuring faces, snakes, and abstract figures applied directly onto glass. The Open Minds series is among her most recognizable works.

Yes, the Open Minds Vase is characterized by hand-painted expressive faces and abstract figures applied directly onto the glass surface. This hand-decoration is a hallmark of Ulrica Hydman-Vallien's artistic style. Because each piece is hand-painted, individual vases can have slight variations in the painted details.

Kosta Boda is a Swedish glassworks company and one of Sweden's oldest glass manufacturers, with roots dating back to the 18th century. The company is based in the region of Småland in southern Sweden, an area historically known as the 'Kingdom of Crystal' for its concentration of glassworks. Kosta Boda studio glass pieces like the Open Minds Vase are produced in this tradition.

Availability of specific Open Minds pieces can fluctuate, as Kosta Boda periodically retires and reissues collections from its archives. Ulrica Hydman-Vallien's designs remain among the most sought-after Kosta Boda works on the secondary market. Collectors should check current Kosta Boda catalogs or authorized retailers for present availability of specific Open Minds vase designs.