Caramba | Ulrica Hydman-Vallien

Ulrica Hydman Vallien – The Colourful Icon of Kosta Boda

Ulrica Hydman Vallien was a visionary Swedish artist and an irreplaceable figure in the history of Kosta Boda. Known for her extraordinary ability to unite exceptional craftsmanship with bold playfulness, she brought passion and personality to every piece—whether creating a full collection or a one-of-a-kind work of art.One of Ulrica’s defining trademarks was her painted glass, featuring dramatic and often humorous motifs. Painting directly on glass was a revolutionary technique at the time, and through her artistry, it became widely recognised and celebrated, breaking down barriers between fine art and accessible design.

At just 20, Ulrica began her studies at the University of Arts, Crafts and Design (Konstfack), where she studied ceramics under masters such as Stig Lindberg. It was there she met her future husband, Bertil Vallien, with whom she would share a lifelong artistic partnership. Her international travels—to the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Mexico, and the United States—further broadened her creative vision. She also taught at the Pilchuck Glass School (1982–1988) in the US and later at Bildwerk in Germany.

Debuting as a glass designer in 1971, Ulrica went on to shape Kosta Boda’s aesthetic identity throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Her collections, including Mine, Tulipa, and Caramba, became enduring successes. The Mine series—featuring bowls, vases, plates, and glasses—remains one of Kosta Boda’s most beloved designs, selling over a quarter of a million pieces in its first year alone after its 2002 launch.A true pioneer, Ulrica Hydman Vallien transformed the world of glass with her vibrant spirit, artistic courage, and boundless imagination.