Göran Hongell green-grey glass bowl, Karhula, Finland 1935

Goran Hongell small bowl, in grey-green, Karhula, Finland c1935.

This is an early example of Hongell’s work for Karhula. It is signed to the base GH Karhula. Its simplicity and modernist form is an early example of the new direction that glass design was taking in Finland at this time. Three similar examples are shown in Glass From Finland: Bischofberger Collection, figures 21-23 page 103.

Excellent condition.

Goran Hongell (1902-73) was one of the pioneers of modern glass design in Finland. He joined Iittala-Karhula in 1932 and stayed with them until he retired in 1957. Best known for his modern, streamlined table glass designs he also produced some high quality art glass. Some of these were pieces of engraved glass, others with simple shapes and line. An important designer of modernist glass from before World War II.