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Claus Josef Riedel Sculptural Black Art Glass Vase Austria 70s-80s Op-Art RARE
€270Bid from €199
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Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales
Product description
Claus Josef Riedel for Riedel – Sculptural Black Art Glass Vase, Austria, ca. 1970s–1980s
A rare and striking sculptural vase designed by Claus Josef Riedel, the visionary Austrian glass designer best known for revolutionising functional glassware in the 20th century. This expressive piece, produced by Riedel in Kufstein, belongs to the small body of non-stemware art glass that the company created alongside its iconic wine glasses.
Design & Aesthetic
The vase is crafted in deep black glass with a sensual play of matte and glossy surfaces: the exterior shows a finely textured, woodgrain-like pattern that catches light softly, while the interior and rim reveal a glossy, liquid-black surface.
The dramatic crescent-shaped opening, bordered by a shimmering silver-grey pattern, underscores the sculptural intent — a form closer to contemporary studio glass than to classical vessel design.
Its asymmetry suggests movement, almost like a folded ribbon or an abstracted calligraphic stroke. Under directional light, the surface reveals subtle metallic reflections, enhancing the object’s elegant, nocturnal presence.
About the Designer
Claus Josef Riedel (1925–2004) was the ninth generation of the Riedel glassmaking family and the leading mind behind the transformation of the brand into the world’s most influential producer of functional wine glass design. His studio pieces from the 1960s–80s are far less known — and therefore far rarer — than his iconic stemware. They show his fascination with sculptural form, material purity, and the expressive possibilities of mouth-blown glass.
Production & Technique
Manufacturer: Riedel, Kufstein, Austria
Designer: Claus Josef Riedel
Material: Black art glass with textured matte exterior and glossy interior
Markings: Etched RIEDEL signature on the base
Height: 20 cm
Width: 14 cm
Depth: 11 cm
Period: circa 1970s–1980s
Condition
Very good vintage condition with minor age-consistent surface traces. No chips or cracks. The signature is clearly legible. The matte surface displays the subtle micro-marks typical of Riedel’s hand-finished art glass.
Collector’s Note
Studio-style Riedel pieces from this period are increasingly sought after. This vase represents a fascinating chapter in the company’s history — before Riedel became globally synonymous with sommelier glassware, it explored sculptural forms that bridged Austrian modernist glass traditions with an emerging international design language.
A refined and rare object for collectors of Austrian glass, European studio glass, or those who appreciate minimalist sculptural vessels with a dramatic silhouette.
General Information
Please explore my profile for more mid-century design, glass, and collectible objects.
International buyers are welcome; kindly ask for shipping quotes outside the EU. Import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage items may show minor traces of age; any significant flaws are clearly noted.
Multiple purchases may be combined for more economical shipping.
Private sale under German law: no returns, refunds, or warranties.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlackMaterialGlassNumber of items1BrandRiedelHeight20 cmWidth14 cmDepth11 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales