This is a crystal glass piece by Boda called "Flodohast" by Vetter Valeen. Flodohast means hippopotamus in Swedish, and with its rounded body and large mouth, it is an object filled with the humor typical of Scandinavian glass.
Light filters through the highly transparent crystal glass, pooling inside and creating a slowly shifting shadow depending on the angle. The three-dimensional texture of the nose and mouth, and the volume of the legs, all add a tactile sculptural quality to the simple design, making it an accent piece in any space. The outline stands out against a black background, and the thickness and fluctuation of the glass change the way it looks in natural daylight, so the piece's appearance changes depending on where it is displayed.
Vettel Valeen is an important artist in the Nordic glass world, who has long been active at Kosta Boda, and has received international acclaim for his sculptural works using sand casting and other casting techniques. This piece, while featuring a cute animal motif, is one in which the weight and transparency of the material are utilized to create a sculpture.
■Detailed specifications Manufacturer: Kosta Boda / Boda Designer: Bertil Vallien / Vettel Vallien Work: Flodhast / Flodhast Hippo
Era: 1970s Material: Crystal glass Country of origin: Sweden
Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
This is a deadstock item in extremely good condition.
■Size: Width 10cm, Height 6cm, Thickness 2.3cm
