Bottle 'Bączek', mid-century modern, glass, designed by Z. Horbowy, Poland, 1970s

The 'Bączek' bottle is a design by Zbigniew Horbowy, created in Poland in the 1970s during the flourishing period of the local school of artistic glass. Made of coloured glass, it attracts attention with its harmonious play of colour – an intense, burnt orange at the base smoothly transitions to orange, reaching a saturated yellow at the slender neck. The shape combines a rounded, bulbous body with an elongated, delicate neck, all finished with a high gloss characteristic of hand-blown glass. The lack of unnecessary decorations or reliefs emphasises the modernist purity of form, in line with the trend of Polish design in the second half of the 20th century. Natural, small air bubbles typical of artisanal glass may be visible on the surface. The item is in very good condition, free from damage and repairs, and meets vintage collector standards. In the 'Bączek', one can sense the voice of late Polish modernism – the search for a synthesis between simplicity and the expressive power of colour. The smoothly changing gradient evokes the image of a flame enclosed in a bottle, the captured light of an August afternoon, or the shimmering of glass in a studio. The organic line and glossy surface tell the story of an era of experimentation, when glass became a medium for light and colour, and craftsmanship sought dialogue with nature and modernity. The bottle can be placed on a wooden sideboard or shelf – its form pairs well with mid-century modern furniture, and the play of colours stands out against light walls or in combination with raw linen and ceramics. Break the minimalist character of the bottle by pairing it with modern forms or matte-finished metals, bringing out its warm, historical tone. It also works as a solo accent in a living space, against a subdued colour palette, highlighting its collector's origin and decorative potential.