Modernism vase, yellow glass, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz, Poland, 1970s

A glass vase designed by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz for the Krakow Glass Institute in the 1970s is an object on the border of utility and sculpture. Made of transparent glass in a distinct, warm shade of yellow, it attracts attention with its shiny, smooth surface. The wide, flared, oval bowl is set on a slender, tall neck, framed by symmetrical, applied glass rings. The wide, distinctly rounded base stabilises the whole and creates balanced proportions. Decorative details, maintained in the style of mid-20th-century modernism, are limited to organic curves and rhythmic accents of form. Original condition, very good, with no visible signs of use — a fact that emphasises the collector's value of the piece. The yellow glass vase seems to recall the optimism of Polish modernism of the 1970s, when the expression of form went hand in hand with the inventiveness of glass technologists and artists. The dynamic line, gloss and luminosity of the object carry with them the echo of experiments with colouring and shaping glass, characteristic of Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz's studio. The high base and decorative rings seem to be a graphic sign of their era, and the whole object — as if it wanted to tell about the courage to cross the boundaries of everyday objects. This type of vase will work well both solo as a free-standing sculpture on a walnut or oak chest of drawers, as well as in combination with simple ceramic forms from the 1970s. It can be displayed on a shelf in an arrangement with books and glass in contrasting colours, or exposed against a neutral wall to emphasise its luminosity. It will successfully match mid-century modern interiors and eclectic vintage collections; it is also worth using a single flower or branch to sharpen the dialogue between form and light.