Overview
This sculptural art glass piece belongs to the Kivi (“Stone”) series by Finnish glass artist Pertti Santalahti. Designed as a hybrid object, it functions as a small vase or candle holder while maintaining a strong sculptural presence. The form is grounded, tactile and intentionally irregular, reflecting Nordic material thinking of the late 20th century.
Design & Form
The silhouette is built around a heavy, bowl-like upper volume set on a compressed pedestal foot. The proportions emphasize stability rather than verticality. The rim is uneven and softly undulating, preserving traces of hot shaping and giving the object an organic, almost eroded character.
Glass & Color
Made of transparent warm toned glass with a golden-brown hue. The surface alternates between matte, ice like textures and glossy melted areas. Internal variations in density create depth and tonal shifts, especially visible at the foot and along the rim. The base shows layered coloration with subtle darker inclusions, typical for Santalahti’s work of this period.
Context
The Kivi series reflects a distinctly Finnish approach to art glass, where form is derived from natural phenomena such as stone, ice, and weathered landscapes. This tradition, prominent in Nordic countries during the second half of the 20th century, favored material expression over polished refinement. Santalahti’s works from this era are represented in institutional collections, including the Finnish Glass Museum.
Production Details
Handmade at Humppila Glassworks, Finland.
Signed on the base: Pertti Santalahti, Humppila Finland.
Period: 1980s.
Measurements
Height: 13.5 cm
Diameter: approx. 12.5 cm
Weight: approx. 0.9 kg
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Two small micro-chips on the edge of the base, visible only upon close inspection. No cracks or structural damage. Surface wear consistent with age and hand-blown production.
Use & Placement
Suitable as a small vase, candle holder or standalone sculptural object. Works well as a focal accent in modern, brutalist or minimalist interiors.
