Kaj Blomqvist1931–2016
Kaj Otto Johannes Blomqvist was a Finnish designer whose work in glass, bronze and silver made him an important figure in twentieth-century Scandinavian design. Educated at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, where he graduated from the metal art department in 1956, Blomqvist combined craftsmanship with a distinctly Finnish artistic sensibility. His early career took him to Denmark, where he worked as a designer and draftsman for Georg Jensen, contributing to silver jewellery and tableware. Already in 1957 his cutlery designs were exhibited at the Milan Triennale, signalling his emerging international presence.
Blomqvist worked extensively for Kumela Glassworks, where he became one of the company’s leading designers of the 1970s. His glass pieces were inspired by the landscapes of southern Finland, particularly the rugged cliffs and natural forms of the archipelago. This connection to nature is evident in the sculptural quality and clarity of his glass designs. He also produced bronze works, cast in small handmade series, which have become highly sought after due to their rarity. A notable example is the large cast bronze baptismal bowl in the Church of St. Lawrence in Lohja.
From 1960 to 1965 Blomqvist worked for Hopeakeskus (later Kultakeskus) in Hämeenlinna, designing silver objects and advancing the tradition of Finnish silversmithing. After establishing his own studio in Helsinki in 1966, he continued to work independently for three decades. During these years he produced freelance designs for Kumela, Humppila, and later Iittala-Nuutajärvi, while also creating exhibition designs for Finnish fairs and department stores, as well as industrial and graphic design projects.
Blomqvist held his only solo exhibition in 1979 at the Finnish Glass Museum, showcasing both glass and metal works. His career reflects a rare versatility, moving fluently between materials while maintaining a clear artistic identity rooted in the Finnish landscape and in the traditions of Nordic craftsmanship.
