Modernist vase, purple glass, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz, Poland, 1970s

A vase designed by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz for the Krakow Glass Institute in the 1970s, distinguished by its impressive form with a large, massive belly smoothly transitioning into a narrow neck on a subtle, low foot. It features a shaded colour scheme: transitions from smoky, cool purple to gently lavender glass highlight expert control over the material. Two pairs of organically twisted, asymmetrical handles on opposite sides of the neck serve as decorative details – they have a darker, saturated colour and accentuate the sculptural character of this composition. The surface of the vase is highly polished, reflecting light and bringing out the shine typical of the modernist era. All elements remain original; the glass shows no signs of damage or restoration. Condition is very good. The pronounced belly and double pairs of handles evoke the spirit of the 1970s and the era's experimentation with glass. The form seems to tell a story of the boldness of Polish industrial design: a wave of colour in the glass smoothly transitions through shades of purple, telling a different story of light and shadow with each refraction. The organic, almost gestural handles seem to have grown from the very material of the glass – they are different, somewhat surprising, but consistent with the modernist search for plasticity and expression. The vase can be displayed solo on a console or shelf, or alongside contrasting objects – ceramic vessels with a raw finish or simple oak tops. It works best in modern collector arrangements, paired with period graphics, a lamp with a chrome base, or minimalist textiles in white and grey. It can also be combined with Murano glass or other organic forms from the 1960s and 1970s to create a dynamic yet harmonious composition.