Vase, mid-century modern, red glass, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz, Poland, 1970s

A vase designed by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz from the Krakow Glass Institute, made in Poland in the 1970s, is an example of a sculptural form made of coloured glass in a vivid shade of deep red. The body of the vase resembles a goblet, set on an elongated, decorative stem, with impressive embossing and undulating glass transitions, both at the base and on the stem. The highly saturated, ruby-red colour and mirror surface create the impression of a jewellery-like object, and the subtle, tulip-like opening of the upper part is finished with a perfectly smooth edge. Small air bubbles are visible in the glass mass, emphasising the handmade nature and uniqueness of each piece. All connections remain smooth, with no visible signs of repair or restoration; the condition is described as very good – the whole retains its full originality and shine typical of artistic glass from this era. The vase carries the voice of Polish design from the 1970s: a bold interpretation of modernism, where organic expression meets the precision of geometric divisions. Its form is reminiscent of a blooming tulip cup, frozen in mid-gesture, while the intense colour recalls the glass used to enliven the gloomy interiors of that decade. The shiny surface plays with light, evoking the atmosphere of joyful experimentation and bold contrasts that accompanied Polish designers at a time when domestic glass was gaining recognition in Europe. The vase seems to tell of the energy and artistic independence of the creative circles of the Polish People's Republic — of the desire to create a new aesthetic despite limitations. Such an object can be displayed on a low sideboard or shelf, combined with ceramics from the 1960s or other glass products, to create a narrative set in the mid-century modern climate. In a living room setting, it goes well with wood surfaces, natural fabrics, and metal details in warm tones – especially copper and brass. In minimalist boutique or collector arrangements, its organic form and saturated colour create a visual accent that can be combined with graphite glass or pastel ceramics — to achieve a dialogue of colours and textures.