Modernist vase, glass, Poland, 1970s

A vase produced at HSG Tarnowiec in Poland in the 1970s, representing modernist glass design of the era. Made of glass in a deep, mirror-like black shade, it features a minimalist silhouette – a slender, elongated neck smoothly widens at both the base and the mouth. Its most distinctive feature is the wide, organically flared rim, accentuated by a dynamic white ribbon that gracefully wraps around the edge. The lack of additional decoration and the uniform, smooth surface highlight the sculptural character of the design and allow light to play effectively on the mirror surface of the glass. The construction is solid – the thick base ensures stability. The vase is in very good condition, with no visible chips or signs of use; the original, glossy coating remains intact. This vase could tell the story of a time when Polish glassworks experimented with form and colour, seeking their own voice in the global modernist movement. Its dynamic lines and the contrast of black and white are a kind of graphic manifesto – simplicity paired with boldness, function intertwined with expression. The white ribbon on the edge resembles a brushstroke on a black background, suggesting movement and fluidity, as well as the discipline of the 1970s, when design emphasised the clarity of material and form. The vase can be displayed solo on a low sideboard or console, where its glossy surface will reflect the surroundings, and the colour contrast will be highlighted by a minimalist arrangement. It works well in a living room in the spirit of modernism or an eclectic collector's interior – paired with 1960s ceramics or geometric posters, it will emphasise its graphic character. It can be combined with a light background to bring out the depth of black and white; a single branch or a flower with a distinctive form can complete the composition without competing with the sculptural silhouette of the vessel.