Mats Jonasson Maleras Lead Crystal Wildlife Paperweight Sculpture Appraisal

Mats Jonasson Målerås Lead Crystal Wildlife Paperweight Sculpture

This item is an etched lead crystal sculpture or paperweight, featuring an intricate wildlife motif of an owl perched on a branch beneath a moonlit tree. The piece is crafted from high-quality, clear Swedish crystal, most likely by the renowned Målerås Glassworks and designer Mats Jonasson. The sculpture is characterized by its organic, irregular 'rock-like' shape with a flat bottom for display and a flat front face where the intaglio (reverse etching) technique has been applied. This technique creates a three-dimensional effect when viewed from the front, as the frosted, sandblasted details appear to 'float' within the crystal mass. Measuring approximately 4-5 inches in height, the glass displays excellent clarity with high refractive indices typical of lead crystal. The craftsmanship is evident in the fine textures of the owl's plumage and the delicate branching of the trees. Condition appears excellent with no visible chips, deep scratches, or clouding; the edges remain crisp and the frosted elements are well-preserved. This style of Scandinavian glass art reached peak popularity in the late 20th century (circa 1980s-1990s) and is valued for its blend of naturalism and modern glassmaking technology. While no signature is immediately visible in the photo, these pieces are frequently hand-signed and numbered on the base.