Art glass vase in the style of Kosta Boda Open Minds series

This item appears to be a hand-blown or mold-blown glass vase featuring a vibrant red-to-pink gradient with bold, black hand-painted graphic elements. The design depicts a stylized face with elongated almond-shaped eyes, thick eyelashes, a simplified nose bridge, and a small mouth, accompanied by a spotted leaf or floral motif on the cheek. The rim is uneven and scalloped, consistent with artistic hand-finishing. The piece is stylistically consistent with the 'Open Minds' series designed by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien for Kosta Boda, a hallmark of late 20th-century Swedish glass design. The surface exhibits a glossy finish with some internal mottling or texture visible within the glass body. No maker's mark or signature is clearly legible in the provided image, so this attribution is based on the highly distinctive aesthetic and thematic characteristics of the artist's known work. The condition appears to be good with no obvious chips or cracks visible, though a physical inspection would be required to verify structural integrity and surface wear.

Based on my visual assessment of the provided image, this art glass vase displays characteristics highly consistent with the 'Open Minds' series associated with design work attributed to Ulrica Hydman-Vallien. I can see a vibrant red-to-pink gradient and hand-painted graphic elements that mimic the distinctive whimsical style frequently found in late 20th-century Swedish studio glass. While the aesthetic is a strong match, I cannot verify the presence of a signature or acid-etched hallmark from this photo, which is a necessary step for any attribution. The valuation assumes the piece is a genuine example of the series; however, this is a working hypothesis and not a confirmed identification. In the current secondary market, items of this specific design type remain popular with collectors of Scandinavian glass, typically commanding prices in the $400 to $700 range when in excellent condition. A physical inspection is required to check for internal stress fractures, surface scratches, or base wear that could diminish value. To confirm this attribution, I would need to perform an in-person examination of the glass quality and verify the artist's mark or specific Kosta Boda numbering on the base. If the piece were to be identified as a reproduction, a later imitation, or an unsigned 'in the style of' work, the market value would likely decrease significantly, likely falling into the $50 to $125 range. The final value is contingent upon professional authentication and a verification of structural integrity that cannot be fully determined through photography alone. Provenance documentation or a verified gallery label would also support the higher end of the estimated range.