Postmodern vase, turquoise glass, designed by Z. Horbowy, Poland, 1970s

A vase designed by Zbigniew Horbowy, created in the 1970s for Huta Sudety, representing the postmodernist explorations of Polish design. Made of pressed glass with a thick structure, it features an intense turquoise colour with a smooth gradient: from bright blue at the top to deep, saturated turquoise at the base. The entire surface of the vase is covered with a regular diamond pattern, embossed by moulding, giving the object a geometric, tactile texture. The balanced silhouette with a distinct narrowing and flared top refers to the organic proportions typical of the end of modernism and the beginning of postmodernism in Central Europe. The high gloss emphasises the play of light and the depth of colour. The condition is described as very good – no visible damage, losses or signs of repair, the whole remains original. This vase speaks with the voice of the Polish avant-garde of the 1970s, when artistic glass became a medium for experiments with colour and light. Its dynamic form and turquoise glow seem to evoke the boldness of the times when tradition gave way to the courage of the new. The embossed geometric pattern reflects light, creating an impression of movement on the surface, as if the vase tells of the pulsating changes of late modernity – of the dream that an everyday object could become a subject of artistic discussion. The Zbigniew Horbowy vase can be introduced into an interior as a strong accent on a light wood chest of drawers or a steel console – combined with simple, modern forms, it will emphasise its postmodern character. It works well in mid-century modern arrangements, as well as in eclectic collections of glass and ceramics from the era. It is worth combining it with fabrics and accessories in neutral colours to bring out its turquoise shade and geometric relief. It can be paired with minimalist lighting or a single graphic poster from the 1970s to evoke the atmosphere of the era's experiments with form and colour.