Early Orange Hald Graal

As far as I know, this piece has never been exhibited or photographed. However, it will be included in my next book unless it is purchased before its publication, and if the buyer wishes, it shall not be depicted.

Provenance: I was second on this piece when it was auctioned in Gothenburg in the early or mid-1980s (I never got to see it, or I would have bought it then). Later, when I had the opportunity to see it, I purchased it from the original buyer.

The piece. Hald has designed so many Fishgraals that upon seeing a Graal piece signed “Hald” with seaweed “in it”, one automatically assumes it to be “a Fishgraal.” However, this piece is not a Fishgraal. It is a Thick Graal, and although it might well be viewed as a predecessor to the Fishgraal... Let's take a closer look; [1] It is from the first year of thick Graal making [1937] and is technically excellent. [2] The glass is frosted [it has been dipped in acid], which is very unusual. [3] Graal colours varied considerably, true, but orange and lilac/blue... Unheard of! [4] The shape of the vase is, if not unique, rather unusual. [5] Hald wasn’t much inclined to incorporate air in his Graals; this is a very rare exception and could well have been signed "Ariel".