'Frutteria' Glass Fruit by Gunnel Sahlin for Kosta Boda

A playful and vibrant pair of hand-blown glass fruits from the 'Frutteria' series, designed by Swedish artist Gunnel Sahlin for Kosta Boda in 1989. This duo — a turquoise apple and a violet aubergine — turns everyday produce into something far juicier: bold, tactile objects with a whole lot of personality. Sahlin’s signature use of color and form gives these sculptural pieces a presence that’s both joyful and unexpected. 

These glass fruits play with form in the best way — Gunnel Sahlin’s 'Frutteria' series is known for blurring the lines between fruit and vegetable, leaning into playful abstraction. The rounder piece could easily be seen as an apple, a squash, or even a bell pepper, depending on the viewer’s eye. With its rounded, irregular shape and curved stem, we’re calling it an apple here — but that bit of uncertainty is part of the charm.

Produced at Kosta Boda, one of Sweden’s oldest glassworks, these pieces reflect the studio’s rich tradition of craftsmanship paired with Sahlin’s contemporary vision. Both pieces are hand-signed. The apple also has a Kosta Boda stamp.

✦ Apple (the round one): height 13 cm
✦ Aubergine (the long one): length 22 cm
✦ Hand-blown glass with vibrant colors and textured surfaces
✦ Designer: Gunnel Sahlin
✦ Manufacturer: Kosta Boda
✦ Made in Sweden
✦ Period: Late 1980's or 1990's
✦ Excellent vintage condition - light wear consistent with age
✦ Sold as a pair - price includes both

NOTE ON THE DESIGNER - Gunnel Sahlin (b. 1954) is a Swedish glass artist known for her playful, colorful designs for Kosta Boda. Her works transform everyday objects into expressive, collectible art pieces, often drawing from natural forms and a love of color.