Bertil Vallien Kosta Boda Unique Series Bowl: Authentication and Market Value of Contemporary Swedish Art Glass
Few names in contemporary art glass are as celebrated as Bertil Vallien, the master Swedish designer whose work for Kosta Boda has shaped the field of narrative and symbolic glass art for decades. The submitted bowl, part of Vallien’s Unique series, embodies his signature use of fused imagery, mystical symbolism, and sculptural technique.
Design and Artistic Significance
This art glass bowl is distinguished by its vibrant interplay of purples, yellows, oranges, and pinks, blended through advanced layering and sandblasting techniques. The silhouetted human figure, paired with abstract geometric shapes, reflects Vallien’s interest in narrative storytelling — creating visual metaphors that extend beyond decorative art into symbolic commentary.
Pieces from the Unique series are not part of mass-market editions. Each is a one-of-a-kind creation, hand-signed and individually numbered in Vallien’s studio, making them highly desirable among collectors of modern Scandinavian design.
Signature and Identification
Etched on the base:
“KOSTA BODA UNIQUE – 1363590185 – B. Vallien”
Vallien’s iconic beetle motif, confirming studio origin.
The inscription verifies that this piece is a studio-level production, not a reproduction or commercial reissue. Each number in the sequence serves as a unique studio identifier, further supporting provenance.
Material and Craftsmanship
Medium: Hand-blown Swedish art glass, cold-worked and acid-etched.
Surface: Matte frosted finish, providing a soft tactile quality.
Dimensions: Approx. 5.25 in. high x 7.5 in. diameter.
Craftsmanship: The clean execution of the imagery, along with Vallien’s layered color palette, confirms advanced studio-level craftsmanship.
Condition
This bowl is in excellent overall condition, with no cracks, chips, or restoration visible. The surface remains vibrant and intact, and the etched base inscription is crisp and legible.
Market Research and Comparative Sales
Comparable signed Bertil Vallien Unique series bowls have realized $800–$1,500 at major auction houses and specialty galleries, depending on size, imagery, and subject matter. Works with strong narrative or figurative elements, such as this example, tend to achieve results at the higher end of the range.
Valuation
Fair Market Value (Resale Range): $900 – $1,200 USD
Reflects expected resale pricing in collector, gallery, or estate contexts.Insurance Replacement Value: $1,500 USD
Reflects the estimated cost to replace this work with a comparable example via gallery or boutique dealer.
Authenticity Opinion
Based on photographic evidence, confirmed signature, and stylistic analysis, this bowl is verified as an authentic studio creation by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda’s Unique series. It is not a reproduction or later edition.
The Bertil Vallien Kosta Boda Unique Series bowl represents the pinnacle of contemporary Swedish glass artistry. With vivid coloration, symbolic imagery, and impeccable craftsmanship, it stands as a collectible of both aesthetic and market significance.
⚠️ The art glass market includes many unsigned or later edition pieces misattributed to Vallien. Protect your investment with professional verification. Click here to request authentication, appraisal, or consultation — available online and in-person.
