Crown of Thorns vase, red glass, designed by J. Słuczan-Orkusz, Poland, 1970s

The 'Crown of Thorns' vase is an example of Polish art glass from the 1970s, designed by Jerzy Słuczan-Orkusz at the Krakow Glass Institute. Its tall, cylindrical form with a modern, sculptural line is made of transparent glass in a deep, saturated shade of red. The body is complemented by a dynamic, three-dimensional ornament wrapped around the middle part – expressively intertwined glass 'thorns', made from the same material, create a compact, monochromatic but richly textured finish. The smooth, shiny surface of the glass highlights the light and shadow of the decorative relief, and the heavy, wide base ensures stability. The proportions are balanced between the gently tapered top and the solid, expansive bottom. The object shows no signs of damage, chips, or significant wear and is in excellent condition, with minimal signs of age typical for the best-preserved collector's pieces from the era. In the form and colour of this vase, one can see echoes of the 1970s: a time when Polish art glass was seeking its own recognizable identity. The intense red evokes visions of energetic material experiments, and the hand-formed ornament suggests a bold, somewhat rebellious designer's gesture – here, glass turns into sculpture, showing strength and expression. This is an object that, like an illuminated chalice, speaks of breaking conventions and highlights the artistic courage of Polish modernism. The vase can be effectively displayed on a solid wood sideboard or on a modern shelf in an open, bright living space, where its red will stand out against neutral colours. It pairs interestingly with minimalist furnishings – geometric lamps, clear glass, or matte ceramics, which will emphasize the relief texture of the glass. Interiors in the spirit of mid-century modern or more eclectic collector's styles will also bring out the decorative, artistic character of this item, and a single branch or simply shaped flower will accentuate its sculptural silhouette.