Angel vase, mid-century modern, orange glass, designed by S. Sadowski, Poland, 1970s
- Dimensions :
- H25 x W9 x D9
- Color :
- orange
- Material :
- glass and crystal
- Style :
- mid-century
The 'Angel' vase, designed by Stefan Sadowski for Huta Sudety in the 1970s, is a representative example of Polish glass from the mid-century modern period. It is made of glass in a saturated, warm shade of orange, which smoothly transitions into a deeper amber tone at the narrowings of the form. The glossy, perfectly smooth surface emphasizes the intensity of the colour and indicates hand finishing. The silhouette of the vase resembles an hourglass or a stylized angel figure: stable, flared at the base, with a distinctly convex, spherical centre and a slender, elongated top. The design is devoid of additional decorations – the essence of the work lies in the proportions and colour nuances of the glass itself. The vase is in very good condition – the surface shows no signs of damage, chips or visible repairs, typical for its era. The form of this piece refers to the 1970s, when Polish utility glass sought new means of expression, avoiding excessive ornamentation in favour of solid form and expressive colour. Its subtly streamlined lines and the intensity of the orange seem to tell the stories of an era in which the individuality of the designer was combined with the mastery of glassmaking craftsmanship. The saturation of the colour and the order of the proportions seem to 'radiate' the gentle energy of those years, making the light refracted on the glass surface almost theatrical. The 'Angel' vase can be combined with other elements typical of mid-century modern – a table made of moulded wood, a simple chest of drawers or minimalist ceramics will perfectly emphasize the purity of the form. It works well against neutral walls, surrounded by natural materials and warm light. It is worth combining with a small, single flower or leaving it empty to fully highlight its sculptural line. Collector's interiors or a living room in a vintage spirit will allow this form to play a leading role, and in more eclectic arrangements it will be a distinct colour accent.
