Art Deco vase, purple glass, designed by R. Schrotter, Inwald Glassworks, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
- Dimensions :
- H15 x W7 x D7
- Color :
- purple
- Material :
- glass and crystal
- Style :
- art deco
A vase from the 1930s, designed by Rudolf Schrotter for the Inwald Glassworks in then-Czechoslovakia, illustrates the mature Central European Art Deco style. Made of semi-transparent, amethyst-purple glass coloured in the mass, it attracts attention with its smooth, elongated form with a distinct waist and balanced proportions. Rhythmically pressed oval motifs and deep vertical grooves accentuate the geometric discipline of the design and add sculptural depth. The vase's walls are thick, especially at the solid, bevelled base, giving it the weight typical of decorative vessels from the interwar period. The shiny, smooth surface enhances the effect of reflected light, and the precision of workmanship and lack of visible defects or seams confirm the high level of glassmaking craftsmanship at Inwald Glassworks. The vase is in very good condition, with minimal signs of age, no chips, cracks or repairs. The form of the vase recalls the modernist explorations of the 1930s, when architecture and design were inspired by both technological progress and the moderate decorativeness of Art Deco. The subtle coolness of the amethyst purple, which gradually thickens towards the base, evokes the glass panes in modern villas of the period, filtered by morning light. Thoughtful geometry and pressed motifs seem to tell the story of a time when glass served as a carrier of interwar Europe's optimism, combining simplicity with balanced ornamentation. The vase can function as a soloist on a light wood chest of drawers, especially well presented against neutral, matte fabrics or in combination with other vessels from the era. In Art Deco arrangements, it is worth combining it with objects with metallic accents or collectible pieces of ceramics and glass, emphasising its geometric consistency and subtle colour. In eclectic spaces, it will work as a counterpoint to textiles with a slightly heavier texture, bringing out the depth of the purple and the shine of the pressed ornament. No specific dimensions or care requirements are given; mass-coloured glass retains its shade throughout and is resistant to fading in light. It is recommended to clean gently with a soft, dry cloth to maintain the surface shine and not damage the subtle glass reliefs.