Overview
Rare etched glass vase from Karhula Glassworks, designed by Göran Hongell, one of the key figures in the development of modern Finnish glass. The vase has a wide open bowl shape on a solid foot, with a pale grey clear glass tone that becomes deeper and more atmospheric in changing light.
Around the body runs an etched decoration with dancing figures, plants and stylised movement.
Museum Context
This is a museum level Finnish glass object. A "Dance" vase is held in the collection of the Chrysler Museum of Art in the United States.
Design and Glasswork
The vase was hand blown at Karhula Glassworks in Finland, circa 1930s to 1940s. The glass with a heavy foot and a finely opened rim.
Göran Hongell was the first designer in Finland to be permanently hired by a glassworks, and his work helped shape the language of Finnish glass before and during the rise of mid century modern design. His objects often balance technical discipline with a strong sense of proportion, line and atmosphere.
Details
Designer: Göran Hongell
Manufacturer: Karhula Glassworks
Origin: Finland
Period: circa 1930s to 1940s
Material: hand-blown glass
Technique: etched decoration
Motif: dancing figures and plants
Marking: GH Karhula, 2458-H324
Measurements
Height: 11.4 cm
Rim diameter: 14.3 cm
Base diameter: approximately 8.4 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Slight traces of use on the bottom, consistent with age.
For Collectors
A rare piece of early Finnish modern glass, combining Karhula craftsmanship, Hongell’s restrained design language and a distinctive etched figurative motif. The low, open form makes it suitable as a display vase, small centrepiece or collection piece for Finnish and Scandinavian glass.
