Czech Mid-Century Modernist Alexandrite Neodymium Czech Art Glass Dish, 1950s

THE ITEM
This beautiful sculptural work of Modernist hand-blown art glass is from the Romana series by glass artist Hana Machovska for Mstisov glassworks, Czechoslovakia.

The form is gracefully undulating with soft curves, bearing a lilting Sommerso technique which draws together the different colours with the final shape being a rarer find. The colour palette is composed of a vibrant yet subtle amorphous disc of Salmon red which sits opposite the band of striking Cobalt blue, both of which is encased in a Golden amber.

This exquisite piece brings stunning elegance, a tactile form that invites touch and is also very capable of releasing dazzling refractions, as can be seen in the photos. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
CONDITION
Superb. There are no cracks or repairs. There is light wear predominantly in the form of movement marks and one chip on the underside of the base, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 3.2" / 8.2 cm x Length: c. 11.2" / 28.5 cm (across longest point) x Width: c. 6.9" / 17.6 cm (across the widest point). Base measurements: c. 3" / 7.6 cm x c. 1.9" / 4.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.7 kg / 1,746 g

NOTES
Dish will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
The Mstisov glassworks, originally named Eintrachthutte, was founded in 1868 by F. Fischmann & Sons. At first they made glass rods for the jewellery industry, and later expanded into tableware. Frantisek Zemek became chief designer in the 1950's, and was probably best known for his 'Rhapsody' series.
The 'Romana' series also became an iconic series of glassware for Mstisov, designed by Modernist glass artist Hana Machovska. Mstisov would go on to become part of the Borske Sklo National Corporation in 1958.

Sommerso (Literal translation 'submerged' in Italian) is the renowned Murano technique that features two or more layers of contrasting colours before a final encasing in an often clear outer layer of glass. The layers are created by dipping coloured glass into molten glass and then blowing the combination into the desired shape. Sommerso was developed in Murano during the late 1930s with master glass artists such as Flavio Poli being well-known for using this technique as well as being made popular by Seguso Vetri d'Arte and the Mandruzzato family in the 1950s.

THE ITEM
This exceptional Modernist work of sculpted art glass is by glass artist and designer Jaroslav Svoboda (b. 1938 - ) from his own glassworks studio Svoboda Karlov. Svoboda is well known from his works at the renowned Skrdlovice glassworks designing many popular and much-loved pieces in clear and cobalt blue glass. 

This sculpted piece is crafted from clear glass throughout with the exception of the cobalt blue horn accents. 

The form distinctly avoids harsh angles and lines and instead, opts for softly exaggerated curves all over, creating multiple effects within the glass and how it interacts with light; from magnifying to refracting to prismatic. Depending on the angle of display and light, the undulating curves internally reflects the cobalt blue of the horns, casting an icy blue tint over different parts of the glass body. 

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips or cracks, there is mild use wear that is present and is commensurable with the age of the piece, please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The piece bears an original partial Svoboda Karlov label, identifiable by the glassworks logo. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 6.3" / 16 cm by c. 8.3" /  21 cm  in length. Depth / Width of body (across widest point): c. 4.3" / 11 cm. 
Weight c.  2.2 kg / 2,170 g

NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Jaroslav Svoboda (b. 1938 - )  Svoboda entered the world of glassmaking from a young age and in his father's workshop, his father worked for the Inwald glassworks. Svoboda would pursue academic knowledge of the arts at the age of 15 before officially beginning his career in glass in 1966. 

In the years to follow, Svoboda would go on to become the Head of the ÚUŘ Glassworks in Skrdlovice and becoming Professor and Head of Glass Studio at the Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design in Prague before finally establishing his own glassworks studio. 

Svoboda has had significant achievements throughout his career; he has won numerous awards and his works are featured in collections in many museums including the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Kunstmuseum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg, the National Gallery in Prague and many more. 

His work has been presented in over 60 exhibitions, either as a dedicated individual exhibition or part of a collective. There are also around 30 Svoboda commissioned pieces in state, financial, school and industrial buildings in his native Czech Republic and abroad.  

THE ITEM
This beautiful work of Modernist art glass was designed by Czech art glass designer Vaclav Horacek in 1957 for Josefodol Glassworks, later restructured into Zelezny Brod glassworks. This particular design by Horacek is a rare find and even rarer that it is in such superb condition.  

The simple tapered silhouette comes from the glass being blown into a mould, while the frosted surface decor comes from a hand-applied Battuto-like technique. The stylised frosted surface depressions are superbly tactile and reminiscent to that of stone age flint sculptures.

This elegant piece would suit a room with Mid Century, Modernist or even Contemporary inspired decor.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips or cracks or repairs. There is mild wear that is most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base and is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The vase bears original sticker denoting "MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA".

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 7.9" / 20 cm x c. 2.4" / 6 cm in width (across the widest point). Base diameter: c. 2" / 5 cm x c. 1.6" / 4 cm. Rim diameter: c. 1.5" /  3.8 cm x c. 1.2" /  3 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.6 kg / 610 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Zelezny Brod Glassworks
Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod [tr. 'ford'] or Brodek [tr. 'little ford']. Železný [tr. 'iron'] was added to its name in the fourteenth century, alluding to the town's steelworks. The town's main industry is represented by producers of blow-moulded glass, as well as that of jewellers. The Železný Brod (ZBS) glassworks was created in 1948 as a result of nationalisation at the time and was an amalgamation of 9 glass factories in the town. ZBS being particularly well known for its free-form organic vases and bowls designed by Miroslav Klinger.

This beautifully biomorphic and handblown piece was designed Czech art glass designer Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) for Bohemian glassworks Zelezny Brod Sklo (ZBS). This particular piece is particularly rare as it combines Neodymium and Citrine glass using the Sommerso 'Submerged' technique. 

This work is not only special in the abstract, organic form that creates elegant refractions - it also has the ability to colour change. The colour changing ability comes from Neodymium, an element incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Under daylight, the Neodymium glass presents as a pale lilac colour however, under indoor fluorescent household lighting, the element becomes a pale blue. Neodymium glass is often known as Alexandrite glass. 

The contemporary form of this piece is composed of a clear central chamber that is cradled as well as complemented by 3 Neodymium trails. The clear chamber is submerged into a Pale Lemon Citrine base and the work is finished with an accent of 'pulling' at the rim. 

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece and most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 10.6" / 26.8 cm x c. 4.5" / 11.5 cm in width (across the widest point).  Rim measurements: c. 3.3" / 8.4 cm x c. 1.8" / 4.6 cm. Base measurements: c. 3.4" / 8.7 cm x c. 3.7" / 9.3 cm. Unpackaged weight: 1.3 kg / 1,280 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999)
Miloslav Klinger was born in Hrubá Horka near Železný Brod. After a year of apprenticeship in glass chandeliers with Josef Kleinert, Klinger studied at the Glass School in Železný Brod under the guidance of prof. Jaroslav Brychta and master Jan Stuchlík. After graduating, Klinger worked in Kleiert's company as a designer for two years. After completing his studies, Klinger returns to Železný Brod as a designer, where, apart from his brief career as director of the Glass School in Železný Brod, he remained throughout his life.

Zelezny Brod Glassworks
Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod ("ford") or Brodek ("little ford"). Železný ("iron") was added to its name in the fourteenth century, alluding to the town's steelworks. The town's main industry is represented by producers of blow-moulded glass, as well as that of jewellers. The Železný Brod (ZBS) glassworks was created in 1948 as a result of nationalisation, at the time, this was made up of 9 glass factories in the town. ZBS being particularly well known for its free-form organic vases and bowls designed by Miroslav Klinger.

This beautifully biomorphic and handblown work of Czech Modernist art glass was designed by Josef Cvrcek (b. 1931 - d. 2010) and Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) for Bohemian glassworks Zelezny Brod Sklo (ZBS). This piece is a rare-to-market work standing at an imposing 15" in height and crafted from Neodymium (Alexandrite) glass into the organically tactile, twin-chambered form. The rarity of this piece comes from this particular piece's form being crafted from Neodymium, the condition, and this statement size. 

The contemporary form of this piece is composed of a central chamber that is echoed by a smaller, asymmetrical chamber, both of which are firmly cradled by the main body of the solid crystal glass. 

This work is not only special in the abstract, organic form that creates elegant refractions but it also has the ability to colour change. The colour-changing ability comes from Neodymium, an element incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Under daylight, the Neodymium glass presents a pale lilac colour however, under indoor and fluorescent lighting, the element becomes a pale blue. 

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece and most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 15.3" / 38.5 cm x c. 7.9" / 20 cm in width (across the widest point). Depth (Thickest point) measurements: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm. Rim measurement: c. 1.6" / 4 cm x c. 1" / 2.3 cm. Base measurements: c. 5" / 12.6 cm x c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: 4.5 kg / 4,470 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Josef Cvrcek (b. 1931 - d. 2010) Josef Cvrcek began his career as a glassblower in 1945. He started working at the Zelezny Brod Sklo Glassworks in 1951 and quickly gained recognition for his innovative glass designs. Cvrcek was known for his ability to manipulate glass in ways that were previously thought impossible, such as creating thin, delicate structures that appeared to defy gravity. His work often featured organic forms and abstract shapes, and he frequently incorporated color and texture into his designs. Cvrcek's work can be found in museums and private collections around the world.

Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) Miloslav Klinger was born in Hrubá Horka near Železný Brod. After a year of apprenticeship in glass chandeliers with Josef Kleinert, Klinger studied at the Glass School in Železný Brod under the guidance of prof. Jaroslav Brychta and master Jan Stuchlík. After graduating, Klinger worked in Kleiert's company as a designer for two years. After completing his studies, Klinger returns to Železný Brod as a designer, where, apart from his brief career as director of the Glass School in Železný Brod, he remained throughout his life.

Zelezny Brod Glassworks
Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod ("ford") or Brodek ("little ford"). Železný ("iron") was added to its name in the fourteenth century, alluding to the town's steelworks. The town's main industry is represented by producers of blow-moulded glass, as well as that of jewellers. The Železný Brod (ZBS) glassworks was created in 1948 as a result of nationalisation, at the time, this was made up of 9 glass factories in the town. ZBS being particularly well known for its free-form organic vases and bowls designed by Miroslav Klinger.