Mid-century modern vase, glass, designed by J. S. Drost, Ząbkowice, Poland, 1970s

The 'Woda Sodowa' vase, designed by Jan Sylwester Drost for HSG Ząbkowice, is an example of Polish artistic glass design from the 1970s. Made of semi-transparent glass in a smoky, olive-brown tone with a subtle yellowish reflection, it features a geometric, tapering form and a stable hexagonal base. The eye is drawn to the regular, vertical relief of raised bubbles, precisely arranged around the entire body, giving the object a three-dimensional texture and characteristic rhythm. The glass is smooth and shiny, with the depth of colour gently intensifying towards the base, creating a subtle gradient effect. The vase is free from visible damage or signs of use – it has been preserved in very good condition, with no signs of restoration, retaining the original clarity and shine of the glass. This item evokes the spirit of the 1970s, when Polish designers experimented with combining functionality and decorativeness. The vase 'tells' of an era when everyday objects became a field for formal and material exploration. The bubble relief captures the fleeting moment in glass, and the smoky shade – like the light of a setting sun – evokes cosy, sensual living rooms from half a century ago. In the rhythm of the protrusions and the transparency of the glass, one can hear echoes of workshop experiments and craftsmanship precision that defined Polish glass of the time. The vase can be paired with simple teak or oak furniture characteristic of the mid-century modern style, as well as with minimalist, modern interiors, where the geometric shape and play of light on the protrusions will subtly attract attention. It works well on a console, low chest of drawers, or as a single accent against a light wall. It is worth combining it with other glass or ceramic collectible objects to highlight its decorative character, but it can also stand alone, where the relief and glass tone will create the effect of a collector's detail.