Mid-century modern vase, turquoise glass, HSG Ząbkowice, Poland, 1970s

A cylindrical vase from HSG Ząbkowice represents Polish pressed glass from the 1970s, set in the mid-century modern trend. Made of roselin glass in a light, cool blue, it features a clear, glossy surface that highlights the transparency of the material and sharpens the details of the reliefs. The central part is decorated with a regular grid of raised squares and rectangles, and the ends of the form are accentuated by vertical, ribbed segments. Stability is ensured by the solid thickness of the walls, and the whole is topped with a characteristic, embossed rosette on the bottom – a hallmark of Ząbkowice glass from this period. The structure and alternating play of matte and shiny surfaces make it both a functional and decorative object. The condition should be described as worn: visible single chips and micro-scratches, typical for glass from the 1970s, without serious damage or intervention. The form of this vase reflects the spirit of the era when modernism entered everyday life. Its geometric divisions echo an aesthetic that valued order and clarity – the reality of the 1970s Polish People's Republic filtered through the prism of simplicity and daily rhythm. When light falls on the relief of squares, it reflects in various shades of blue, reminding us how designers of that period combined functionality with decorativeness without unnecessary emphasis. This vase can be displayed on an open raw wood shelf or on a table surrounded by ceramics or metallic vessels. Its cool, transparent shade fits interiors kept in a mid-century modern climate, but will also work in minimalist, contemporary arrangements, where it will play the role of a noble accent. Combined with other pressed glass vessels or a bouquet of dried grasses, it will create a composition full of structural contrasts. No technical parameters are provided. For cleaning pressed glass, it is recommended to use a soft cloth and lukewarm water without strong detergents to maintain shine and avoid damaging the relief.