Kanerva glass vase by Björn Weckström, made at the Nuutajärvi glassworks in Finland during the 1980s. Kanerva is the Finnish word for heather, and the name suits the dense organic decoration rising through the lower part of the vase.
The tall clear glass body has a rounded upper rim and a heavy transparent base. Inside the lower section, dark metallic particles form an exceptionally detailed pattern resembling heather, grasses, feathers or a field of plants seen in silhouette. In direct light the decoration changes from black to bronze and gold.
Glass Technique and Design
The decoration was created using a demanding hot glass technique in which finely dispersed metallic particles were incorporated into the glass.
This type of controlled organic texture is particularly appropriate to Weckström, whose work repeatedly explored rough natural surfaces, precious metals and contrasts between polished and irregular forms.
Björn Weckström
Björn Weckström is a Finnish sculptor, jeweller and designer internationally known for his work for Lapponia. His jewellery from the 1960s and 1970s introduced rugged, almost geological surfaces into precious metal design, and pieces by Weckström also appeared in Star Wars, worn by Princess Leia.
Alongside jewellery and sculpture, Weckström worked with Finnish glass.
Details
Designer: Björn Weckström
Model: Kanerva
Maker: Nuutajärvi
Country: Finland
Period: 1980s
Material: Glass with metallic particle decoration
Colour: Clear, black, bronze and gold tones
Height: 18 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Light traces of use on the bottom.
