Mid-century modern vase, glass, Poland, 1970s

The HSG Tarnowiec vase from the 1970s is an example of the Polish school of artistic glass, rooted in the mid-century modern aesthetic. It is made of glass dyed an intense burgundy colour, with a shade that smoothly transitions from a deep, almost black tone at the base to a warmer, more saturated burgundy at the top. The slender silhouette with a gently elongated neck smoothly transitions into a conical, stable body. The most striking feature is the dynamic, irregularly wavy edge, finished with three curls highlighted by a transparent accent – a motif characteristic of hand-formed glass. The surface is smooth, shiny, and slightly reflective; the lack of visible damage or chips indicates very good condition, and the glass details and proportions show the craftsmanship of the Tarnowiec manufactory. This vase exudes the energy of Polish modernism of the 1970s – a form that, although modest in decoration, does not avoid narrative freedom. The undulating, playful edge evokes associations with the movement of flowing lava or a wave frozen in glass, as if the whole piece says: 'I am an echo of the experiences of that decade, a colourful experiment at the intersection of applied art and glassmaking craftsmanship.' The deep burgundy tone gives the vessel character, and the light reflections enliven it with every ray. The vase can be paired with low sideboards made of light wood, where its colour and reflections will play well against natural surfaces. It fits perfectly in arrangements with an orderly yet warm palette – for example, in a living room in the spirit of mid-century modern, next to ceramic vessels or minimalist graphics. Surrounded by potted plants and textiles in subdued beiges, the vase can serve as a colourful accent; it can also be left as a soloist on a console to fully showcase its plastic line and expressive edge.