Data: Signed; Orrefors, Ariel E. Ohrstrom, 1938. Height; 19 cm. Motif; Blue & Red Rider on Horse against a background of amorphous blobs/splendid vegetation.
Exhibited; (i) The piece may have been exhibited in Orrefors showrooms in Malmö, but if so, it was not photographed in the catalogue, (ii) Full-page photo in “Svenskt Konstglas” 1991, pp 74, (iii) A close-up of this vase features on the front and back cover of the book “Svenskt Konstglas”. On page 10 in "Svenskt Konstglas", this Ariel is depicted alongside two other pieces as an example of Swedish crystal at its best. Apart from this, as far as I know, this piece has never been exhibited or photographed. However, it will be showcased in my next book unless it is bought before publication, and if the buyer wishes, it shall not be depicted.
Provenance: This piece was purchased from a grandson of Gustaf Bergqvist—the man who, in all likelihood, invented the Ariel technique. There is a documented tale behind this Ariel. Gustav Bergqvist, the master blower who crafted this vase, was both the alleged inventor of the Ariel technique and Edvin Ohrstrom’s favourite blower. When he was given the opportunity to select an Ariel for himself, this was his choice. It was passed down from Gustav Bergqvist to his son, and from him to his grandson, from whom I acquired it.
The piece. When two colours are combined in an Ariel piece, they are commonly contrasted; I have never seen two colours so harmonising, melting into one another like this. “The Blue & Red Rider” is, in my opinion, the most attractive Ariel I have ever seen, all in all (beware, the photos do not do the piece justice).
