Tucked away in the forests of Småland, in the heart of Sweden’s famous “Kingdom of Crystal,” sits a glassworks that has been quietly perfecting the art of handmade crystal for generations. Målerås Glasbruk has built a reputation as one of the finest crystal houses in the world, and Goviers of Sidmouth is proud to bring its exquisite collection to UK customers.
From statement pieces for your home, meaningful gifts, or keepsakes to mark a special occasion, Målerås glass offers something genuinely special: craftsmanship that can’t be rushed, mass-produced, or faked.
A Traditional Glass Art of Sweden
Glassmaking in Sweden has a long history, and Småland province is its heart. It is here, amid thick pine forests and picturesque lakes, that Målerås Glasbruk preserves an old technique of producing hand-blown and cast crystal where the artistic aspect takes precedence over automation. Every piece begins life as molten glass, shaped and cast by skilled artisans before being engraved, painted, and sandblasted by hand to reveal its delicate beauty.
This is not mass-produced glass. Each sculpture goes through the hands of highly experienced craftsmen who dedicate their whole lives to perfecting their skills. That makes the texture and depth of the products impossible to replicate by machines, which is why Maleras glass pieces are treasured collectibles all over the world.
The Genius of Mats Jonasson
A discussion on Maleras crystal would be incomplete without mentioning Mats Jonasson, the designer whose reputation is practically synonymous with the company. The creativity of Mats Jonasson is immediately recognisable for its lifelike natural motifs captured in crystal, in particular his animal sculptures, such as horses, deer, cranes, herons, puffins and pandas. There’s real emotion in the tilt of a heron’s neck or the poised stillness of a deer, and that emotional resonance is a large part of what makes these pieces so beloved.
At Goviers, the Maleras range showcases Jonasson’s versatility beautifully. The Dalecarlia Horse, available in both large and small sizes with a traditional red, hand-painted motif, draws on classic Swedish folk-art imagery, transforming a beloved cultural symbol into crystal form. Elsewhere, his horse sculptures appear in warm amber and brown tones, each with its own distinctive engraved detailing, while pieces like the Maleras Dragon channel symbolism from further afield, representing authority, prosperity, and good fortune.
Other talented designers, including Robert Ljubez, contribute to the collection too, lending their own artistic voice to seasonal and nature-inspired pieces such as the Maleras Snowman and the delicate Maleras Daisy paperweight.
Something for Every Occasion
One of the great strengths of the Maleras crystal gallery at Goviers is its sheer range. This isn’t a brand that does one thing well, but does many things beautifully, which makes it a natural first stop when you’re searching for a gift that feels considered rather than convenient.
For animal lovers, the collection is something of a treasure trove. Beyond the signature horses, you’ll find bullfinches, cranes, herons, puffins, and even a charming panda – each sculpture capturing its subject with warmth and precision. Dog lovers aren’t forgotten either, with playful pieces like the Harrier Pup and Dalmatian Pup offering an affordable and characterful entry point into the range.
For quieter, more contemplative gifts, Maleras offers pieces like the Angel and Madonna sculptures, or the elegant Lily of the Valley – a design that pairs delicate botanical detail with the clarity only crystal can provide. And for those marking a moment of loss or remembrance, the Maleras Remembrance Poppy collection, including votives and bowls in varying sizes, offers a beautiful, understated way to honour memory.
Christmas, unsurprisingly, is where Maleras truly shines. The brand’s festive collection includes hand-painted robins, Christmas bells and mistletoe, miniature reindeer, Santa Claus figures, and even a full Holy Family nativity scene rendered in sandblasted crystal. These pieces have become genuine heirlooms in many households, brought out year after year and passed down through generations. A real testament to how well crystal ages compared to more disposable decorations.
For those celebrating anniversaries, weddings, or simply wanting to say “I love you,” the Maleras Heart is a simple, elegant option, while paperweights like the Daisy or Turtle Doves make thoughtful desk or shelf additions for any time of year.
Why Choose Handmade Crystal?
There is a subtle form of rebellion in selecting a product that took real time and skill to create. Each piece made by Maleras is so much more than a decoration. It’s a small act of preservation, keeping alive a craft tradition that dates back generations and supporting artisans who still work largely by hand.
Because each piece is cast and finished individually, no two are ever entirely identical. The subtle nuances in colour, texture or engraving on a piece are part of its character rather than a defect, a reminder that a human being, not a machine, shaped what you’re holding. That authenticity is increasingly rare and valued by those who buy gifts meant to last.
Pieces by Maleras often grow in sentimental value with time. Maleras pieces also tend to appreciate in sentimental value over time. A crystal robin bought one Christmas becomes part of a growing collection the next; a horse sculpture gifted at a wedding becomes a quiet fixture in a family home for decades. This is glass designed not just to be admired once, but to be lived with.
Discover the Collection at Goviers
Goviers has been known for excellence in ceramic, glass and giftware, and the Maleras collection sits proudly within that ethos. From the folk-inspired charm of the Dalecarlia Horse to the seasonal warmth of the Christmas range, there’s a piece here for nearly every taste, budget, and occasion.
If you’re looking for a gift for a wildlife lover, a Christmas collector, a couple celebrating an anniversary, or just rewarding yourself with a beautiful piece, the Maleras collection at Goviers offers handmade Swedish crystal that’s built to be treasured – not just today, but for years to come.
