Thorn Vase Adolf Matura c1965

Description

Heading : Thorn Vase by Adolf matura
Date : c1965
Origin : Czechoslovakia
Bowl Features : Green glass with two blue thorns and a blue ‘cross’ surrounded by matte cutting
Type :  Lead 
Size : 19.7cm height. approx 20.5cm width
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks 
Restoration : None
Weight : 1954 grams

Mark Hill Comments : 

This extremely rare ‘vase object’ was designed in 1965 and produced in very small quantities. seemingly with slight variations in the detail. on this (possibly unique) example there is no thorn on the back and the front ‘thorn’ was cut and polished into a cross shape. and a small ring of tiny matte cuts was added. 

The ‘thorns’ went on to be a design feature of some of Matura’s pressed glass designs for Sklo Union. Although Modernist and clean-lined. and thus typical of Matura’s design aesthetic. there is a strong organic feel to the design.

Another example is in the legendary collection of Corning Museum of Glass in the US.

Adolf Matura (1921-79) studied at the Želenzy Brod glass school. The School of Decorative Arts (UMPRUM). and the Academy of Applied Arts under Professor Stípl. As well as being an independent designer. he was Head Designer for glass at the influential Centre for Home & Fashion Culture from 1959-79. His glass was exhibited across the world. 

References : 

Czech Glass 1945-80: Design in an Age of Adversity edited by Helmut Ricke. published by Arnoldsche. 2005. p264.