Art Nouveau vase, glass, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz, Poland, 1970s

A vase from the 1970s, designed by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz for the Krakow Glass Institute, made of coloured glass in a saturated olive-green shade with subtle tonal transitions – from a lighter, yellow-green part at the upper edge to a saturated, darker base. The massive base and cylindrical body with simple, balanced proportions serve as a backdrop for three elongated glass threads – winding, wavy decorations reminiscent of plant lines, each ending in a round spiral. The semi-gloss finish gently reflects light and highlights the structure of the glass: smooth on the body, with a noticeable relief on the spiral applications. The glass shows slight signs of patina, small scratches and abrasions typical of its age. One of the decorative spiral elements is incomplete, which does not affect the integrity of the form – the vase has retained full functionality. Condition: worn, with a small loss on the spiral, typical signs of age. The form and detail of this item clearly echo the voice of late 1970s modernism, with a clear nod to Art Nouveau inspirations. The cylindrical form seems to tell of a fascination with nature – each glass spiral follows the invisible movement of a leaf or vine winding around the vessel, organically breaking the geometric discipline. The gently refracted light enlivens the green tones of the glass, and the relief of the applications gives a sense of tangible, artisanal energy – as if the designer wanted the object to still bear the mark of the creator's hand and gesture. The vase can be displayed as an individual accent in a living room on a dark wood chest of drawers or console, surrounded by period glassware or among simple ceramic forms. It also pairs well with plants with fleshy, green leaves or a branch with expressive lines – such a combination will deepen the organic and colour motifs. An interior in the spirit of mid-century modern or an eclectic vintage collection will emphasise the characteristic colour and detail of this unique form, while a neutral background will allow the expressiveness of the olive glass to stand out.