Kosta Boda | 536

Kosta Boda, originally known as Kosta Glasbruk, is a renowned Swedish glassworks company located in Kosta, Sweden. The company was founded in 1742 by Anders Koskull and Georg Bogislaus Staël von Holstein. Kosta's name comes from the combination of the founders' names, while "Boda Glasbruk" refers to the local glassworks company. The region surrounding Kosta became known as the "Kingdom of Crystal," a major tourist destination attracting millions of visitors annually.

In its early years, Kosta Glasbruk focused on producing window glass, chandeliers, and drinking glasses. In the 19th century, the company innovated with new techniques such as pressed glass and the introduction of a new workshop for glass cutting. In 1898, Kosta hired its first in-house designer, Gunnar Gunnarsson Wennerberg, marking the beginning of a long tradition of collaboration with renowned artists and designers.

Over the years, notable artists such as Elis Bergh, Vicke Lindstrand, and Bertil Vallien have contributed to the company’s reputation for artistic glassworks. The company also became known for its close association with famous designers like Monica Backstrom, Anna Ehrner, and Ulrica Hydman Vallien. Kosta Boda’s works can be found in prestigious collections, including the Swedish National Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Today, Kosta Boda is celebrated for its artistic and decorative glass products, including the design of the Eurovision Song Contest trophy since 2008. The company is also recognized for creating the Women's Handball World Championship trophy starting in 2023. As part of the New Wave Group since 2005, Kosta Boda continues to uphold its legacy of innovative and artistic glass production.