Two Swedish crystal vases designed by Lars Kjellander circa 1923/31, the first engraved with nude maiden with outstretched arms, artist signature to the base, 15cm high; the latter an Orrefors example engraved with a bird in flight, artist and factory signed, 18cm high (2) Lars Johan Kjellander (1868-1931) began life at Kosta as an apprentice to his father, Erik, at the age of 15 and soon became a clever artist and skilled engraver, later becoming manager of the engraving workshop known as Kjellandrarnas Verkstad. His work was displayed in many exhibitions at Paris, Turin, Karlsruhe, St.Petersburg and of course in Stockholm. At the Art-Industrial Exhibition in Stockholm 1909, he demonstrated the art of engraving and of cutting glass. Despite the First World War, Kosta continued to export glassware to U.S.A, and much of it was the design and work of Lars Kjellander. In 1924, Lars and his two sons, Åke (1903-1989) and Nilss (1907-1991) decided to start their own business and they opened a work-shop in Vetlanda. From 1925 onwards, engraved crystal from the Kjellanders in Vetlanda was soon in great demand in many parts of the world and covered all types of glass from vases and bowls through to wine glasses and tableware.