Mid-century modern vase, red glass, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz, Poland, 1970s

A vase designed by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz, created at the Krakow Glass Institute in the 1970s, is an example of Polish mid-20th-century design, where classic form and bold colour meet refined craftsmanship. The deep, saturated red of the glass is highlighted by a high-gloss surface, enhancing the play of light and the transparency of the material. The object has a distinctly bulbous, spherical body, narrowing at the neck and gently flaring at the rim, giving it a harmonious amphora silhouette. Two symmetrical, oval handles on the shoulders are not only a decorative reference to antiquity but also recall the practical character of old vessels. The solid, wide base ensures stability and continues the motif of soft, flowing lines. The vase is made of smooth, polished glass with no visible defects or chips, and the careful melting testifies to the high quality of hand production. Condition: very good, with no signs of damage or previous repairs. Looking at this item, it is easy to hear the voice of its era: the 1970s, when Polish glass gained its own expression – not abandoning noble inspirations, but filtering them through bold colour and modern design. The depth of the red seems to evoke the intensity of cinema evenings or abstract graphics, while the rounded handles speak of the continuity of tradition in a completely new, free form. This vase could whisper about a time when experimentation and attention to detail were equally important – and the luminous interior of the glass tells the story of the past century in the language of colour and form. It brings a strong accent to interiors of various characters: it can be combined with low mid-century modern furniture, where the red harmonises with walnut or rosewood, or placed against muted, pastel walls to let the colour find its full expression. It is worth placing it solo on a light wood chest of drawers, so that light freely passes through the glass, or combining it with minimalist ceramics or chrome details for a contemporary contrast. In collector arrangements, it will also fit perfectly among other vintage objects, especially those that tell the story of Polish design from the 1960s and 1970s.