Ingeborg Lundin – A clear glass-object “Äpplet” (Apple) – Orrefors, Sweden ca 1957

A clear glass object “Äpplet” (Apple). Designed by Ingeborg Lundin in 1955 and executed at the Orrefors glassworks, Sweden circa 1957.

The Apple’s were freeblown by the master glassblowers in Orrefors which because of the size is a remarkable feat. The design won a Gold medal at the 1957 Triënnale di Milano.

This particular example is made using glear glass and is 38 cm tall and 32 cm in diameter. It is in fair to good condition (see condition remarks below) and fully signed underneath the base.

About Ingeborg Lundin

Ingeborg Lundin (1921–1992) was a Swedish glass artist known for her elegant and modern designs that helped shape Swedish glassmaking in the mid-20th century. She worked primarily for Orrefors, one of Sweden’s most renowned glassworks, and was the first female designer to be employed there. Her work combined simplicity with innovation, making her a key figure in Scandinavian design.

Born in Växjö, Sweden, in 1921, Lundin showed an early interest in art and design. She studied at the Stockholm College of Arts, Crafts, and Design (now Konstfack), where she developed a strong foundation in craftsmanship and form. After completing her studies, she worked briefly as an illustrator before joining Orrefors in 1947.

At Orrefors, Lundin quickly made an impression with her fresh approach to glass design. She became known for her ability to create delicate yet striking pieces that reflected the ideals of Swedish modernism—clean lines, organic forms, and an emphasis on function.
Lundin’s most famous piece is the Äpplet (The Apple), a large, hollow glass sphere designed in 1955. Despite its simple form, it demonstrated technical skill and a deep understanding of glass as a material. The piece gained international recognition and won awards, helping to cement Orrefors’ reputation for innovation.

Beyond Äpplet, Lundin designed a variety of glassware, from everyday drinking glasses to more artistic pieces featuring engraved and cut-glass patterns. She experimented with different techniques and often played with the contrast between thick and thin glass to create a sense of lightness and fluidity.

Lundin remained at Orrefors until 1971, leaving behind a legacy of timeless designs that continue to be admired today. Her work helped pave the way for future female designers in the glass industry, and her influence can still be seen in contemporary Scandinavian design.
Even after leaving Orrefors, Lundin stayed active in the art world, working as a teacher and mentor to young designers. She passed away in 1992, but her contributions to Swedish glassmaking remain significant.

Today, her pieces are held in museum collections around the world, and her designs continue to inspire glassmakers and collectors alike. With her refined aesthetic and technical skill, Ingeborg Lundin played a crucial role in shaping modern glass design, leaving behind a body of work that feels as fresh and relevant today as it did in her time.