Vintage Orrefors “Thousand Windows” Crystal Footed Centerpiece Bowl by Simon Gate, Sweden

Details

Description

A striking vintage Orrefors “Thousand Windows” crystal centerpiece bowl, designed by celebrated Swedish glass artist Simon Gate.

Known in Swedish … Read more A striking vintage Orrefors “Thousand Windows” crystal centerpiece bowl, designed by celebrated Swedish glass artist Simon Gate.

Known in Swedish as Tusen Fönster, the pattern was introduced in 1932 and remains one of Orrefors’ most recognizable cut-crystal designs. Its deeply cut geometric lattice creates the signature “thousand windows” effect, catching and refracting light across the surface with extraordinary brilliance.

This example is especially impressive in its large, shallow footed form, measuring approximately 10 inches in diameter. The broad proportions give the piece a sculptural presence and make it equally beautiful displayed empty as an objet d’art or used as an elegant centerpiece bowl.

The underside is signed and numbered “Orrefors G 0395 821,” with the “G” denoting designer Simon Gate.

Simon Gate (1883–1945) joined Orrefors in 1916 and became one of the defining figures of 20th-century Swedish glass design. Together with artists including Edvard Hald and the master craftsmen at Orrefors, Gate helped establish Swedish art glass on the international stage. His work received major recognition at the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs and is represented in museum collections worldwide.

This bowl comes from my mother’s personal collection. She was Swedish and had a particular appreciation for Scandinavian glass and design, and this was displayed in my parents’ home for many years.

Details:
Maker: Orrefors, Sweden
Designer: Simon Gate
Pattern: Thousand Windows / Tusen Fönster
Material: Hand-cut crystal
Pattern introduced: 1932
Signed and numbered: “Orrefors G 0395 821”
Diameter: approximately 10"
Height: approximately 4"

Condition:
Excellent vintage estate condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. The crystal remains bright and clear. Minor shelf scratches are present on the underside, consistent with age and display, and are primarily noticeable when the bowl is held up to the light.

An elegant and highly decorative example of classic Swedish crystal, combining Art Deco geometry with the refined simplicity for which Scandinavian design is celebrated. See less