Kraka Technique
The Kraka technique was developed by Sven Palmqvist in 1944. The pattern is created with the use of a wire mesh that is placed over a blank that is then etched. This creates a net-like pattern that traps air bubbles when the outer encasing of glass is applied.
The name “Kraka” was inspired by the old Nordic Legend of Kraka, where she had to appear before Ragnar Lodbrok “neither dressed, not undressed”. She solved the task by appearing wrapped in a fishnet.The vase featured is a Kraka vase from 1956 by Sven Palmqvist. The photo on the left shows the detailed fishnet-like design with the airbubbles orderly trapped in the net.
Most Kraka pieces are vases or bowls and have a blue-green-yellowish colour pallet. Some pieces in purple (or violet) and green are also known. Even rarer are colourless pieces where the actual metal mesh that is used is worked into the design of the vase and is clearly visible. Sven Palmqvist was the only person to work in the Kraka technique at Orrefors.
All Kraka pieces are hand-made but four designs were mass-produced. These mass-produced Kraka pieces are signed with Orrefors, Kraka, PU and one of the four model codes: 3364, 3365, 3366 and 3367. These pieces are relatively common and command lower prices then other Kraka pieces.
You can find all the date codes and/or serial numbers related to Orrefors Kraka on the following link: Dating Orrefors Kraka