The Voyager’s Ascent: A Unique ‘Idol’ Masterwork By Bertil Vallien (b. 1938)

The Voyager’s Ascent: A Unique ‘Idol’ Masterwork

By Bertil Vallien (b. 1938)

“Glass eats light.” This famous mantra of Swedish master Bertil Vallien is perfectly captured in this singular, one-of-a-kind sand-cast sculpture. Part of the prestigious Idol Collection, this piece represents the pinnacle of Vallien’s work at Kosta Boda—moving beyond limited editions into the realm of pure, individual expression.

The Narrative: Symbols of the Subconscious

In Vallien’s visual language, objects are never merely decorative; they are universal archetypes.

• The Stairs: A recurring motif in Vallien’s most significant works, the staircase symbolizes “The Entrance”—a transition between the physical world and the subconscious. It represents aspiration, memory, and the human drive to ascend.
• The Figure: Suspended within the frozen cobalt matrix is a spectral “passenger.” This figure is a silent observer of the journey, trapped in a moment of eternal transition.
• The Contrast: Mounted on its original, industrial steel plinth, the sculpture creates a powerful dialogue between the heavy, brutalist iron base and the ethereal, light-filled glass it supports.

Technique: Sand-Cast Mastery

Hand-cast at the Kosta Glassworks in Sweden, this piece was created using Vallien’s innovative sand-casting method. Molten glass is poured at 1,200°C into a mold of red sand. The rugged, “archaeological” texture on the exterior is a direct result of the glass interacting with the sand, while the interior remains a clear window into the hidden secrets within.

Provenance & Investment Value

• One-of-a-Kind (Unique): This is not a limited edition. As a “Unique” work, it is a standalone creation. In the secondary market, Vallien’s unique sculptures are the most resilient investments, with similar museum-grade pieces realizing between $6,500 and $10,500 in specialized galleries.
• Authenticity: Hand-etched on the base: “Kosta Boda B. Vallien UNIQUE” alongside its individual registration number.
• Institutional Pedigree: Vallien’s unique sand-cast works are held in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Corning Museum of Glass.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10″ H × 4″ W × 4″ D (Including Steel Base)

• Medium: Sand-Cast Crystal, Metal Inclusions, Industrial Steel
• Origin: Kosta Boda, Sweden
• Condition: Museum Quality (Original Surface)

Artists Bio