Adolf Matura Green and Blue Thorn Vase c1965

Description

Heading : Adolf Matura thorn vase
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 : 

Matura designed this extremely rare vase in 1965 and he produced very small quantities. seemingly with slight variations in the detail. On this (possibly unique) example he placed no thorn on the back he polished the into a cross shape and added a smal ring of matte cuts.

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.