Kosta Boda
Mambo Dessert Bowls Vicke Lindstrand Kosta Boda Sweden 1960s
Mambo Dessert Bowls Vicke Lindstrand Kosta Boda Sweden 1960s
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A beautiful set of six Mambo dessert bowls designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda, Sweden, produced during the 1960s (approximately 1960–1969). Finding them together is exceptional—these bowls are typically sold individually. Having six matching pieces in excellent vintage condition makes this an especially valuable find within mid-century Swedish glass.
The Mambo series stands out for its sculptural silhouette and the refined elegance of its proportions. Each piece is hand-blown and features a calibrated air bubble in the stem or base—a distinctive signature of Lindstrand that adds visual lightness and unmistakable authenticity. The design combines clean geometric lines with perfectly balanced volume, creating a bowl with minimalist presence but a very distinct identity. The thick base reflects light with clean brilliance, while the body maintains impeccable transparency that enhances any dessert or compote.
This set of six Mambo bowls is not simply a functional object—it's a piece of Swedish glass history. The sculptural form and luminous clarity transform light into art, creating subtle variations in tone and intensity throughout the day. This is the kind of design that celebrates the golden age of Scandinavian glass and becomes a treasured piece in any collection.
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Story
The Mambo series is an iconic example of post-war Scandinavian glass, designed to harmonize aesthetics and function. Its distinctive characteristics include calibrated air bubbles in the stem or base—an unmistakable signature of Lindstrand—pure and balanced forms that bring elegance to the table, and coherence across the complete series. The series includes dessert bowls, wine and sherry glasses, champagne flutes, and tumblers, all with consistent proportions and design. These bowls, beyond their practical use, are valued as vintage collectibles, representative of Scandinavian modernism and Swedish craftsmanship. Their transparency, balanced weight, and delicate details transform each piece into a small museum object, ideal for collectors and lovers of Nordic design.
About the Designer – Vicke Lindstrand
Vicke Lindstrand is one of the most influential figures in modern Scandinavian glass. Trained as an illustrator and ceramicist, he first worked at Orrefors Glasbruk, where he developed innovative techniques such as graal and ariel, incorporating air bubbles and layers of color that brought depth and dynamism to each piece. In 1950 he joined Kosta Glasbruk as artistic director, modernizing production, promoting new techniques, and consolidating Kosta as an international reference in artistic and functional glass. During this period, Lindstrand developed emblematic series such as Mambo, characterized by slender forms, balanced proportions, and a poetic combination of light and transparency. His work reflects a balance between technical control and creativity, elevating everyday objects to collectible pieces.
About Kosta / Kosta Boda
Founded in 1742, Kosta is Sweden's oldest glassworks and a pillar of the Glasriket ("Kingdom of Glass"). From its origins it has stood out for pure crystal, artisanal precision, and superior quality. In the 20th century, under the influence of designers like Lindstrand, Kosta transformed into a laboratory of innovation, where each piece combined tradition and modernity. After the merger with Boda Glasbruk in 1976, the brand officially adopted Kosta Boda, maintaining its prestige and consolidating itself as an international reference in Nordic design. Kosta Boda pieces are found in museum collections such as the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
This set of six Mambo bowls offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire multiple pieces from an iconic series—equally suited to selective use, Nordic interior styling, or as a centerpiece in a curated collection of Scandinavian design. Each bowl carries the quiet elegance and material honesty that define the best of mid-century Swedish craft.
Details
Manufacturer: Kosta, Sweden
Series: Mambo
Model: Dessert Bowl / Compote
Period: 1960s (approx. 1960–1969)
Technique: Hand-blown glass with air bubble detail
Height: approx. 10 cm
Diameter: approx. 10 cm
Material: Clear transparent glass
Quantity: Set of 6 bowls
Condition
Minor wear may be present. No cracks or chips. As with all vintage pieces, this set may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.