Postmodern vase, copper and turquoise glass, Huta Hortensja, Poland, 1970s

A postmodern vase from the 1970s, made by the renowned Huta Hortensja in Piotrków Trybunalski. The body is made of copper glass, highly polished with a strong mirrored finish, and its form refers to classic amphorae. The wide belly transitions harmoniously into a narrow neck and flared rim, all resting on a round, stable base. Noteworthy are the two sculptural handles – hand-formed, thickly shaped, with curled ends, made from turquoise glass with an intense, contrasting colour. The surface of the body is perfectly smooth and glassy, while the handles show subtle irregularities from the hand-forming process. The vase is in very good condition: only minor scratches and local, delicate abrasions of the mirrored coating are visible, which emphasise its authenticity and origin from the era. The form of this vase tells of a time when postmodernism engaged in dialogue with tradition, combining classical inspirations with bold colour contrasts. The copper glass reflects light like the surface of an old mirror, while the turquoise, theatrical handles draw attention, making the whole an example of creative experimentation from the 1970s. Every detail, from proportions to glass quality, carries a tone of social optimism and design courage of that decade – as if saying: 'modernity is not so much a break with the past as a surprising conversation with it.' The vase can be successfully combined with other colourful glass or ceramic accessories, especially in collector's, eclectic arrangements. It fits well in both mid-century interiors and spaces with expressive postmodern elements. It is worth combining it with a low walnut table, a lacquered 1970s sideboard or a minimalist, neutral background – where the mirrored surface will emphasise the light and the turquoise handles will play a colourful counterpoint.