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Erich Jachmann for WMF – Crystal Glass “Olive Cut” Vase, ca. 1960
€199Bid from €179
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About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales
Product description
**Erich Jachmann for WMF – Crystal Glass “Olive Cut” Vase, ca. 1960**
**Mid-Century Monumentality in Crystal Form**
Mouth-blown elegance meets modernist precision in this extraordinary **crystal glass vase** by German designer **Erich Jachmann**, created circa **1960** for **WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik)**. An embodiment of **mid-century refinement**, the piece reflects Jachmann’s philosophy: that beauty resides in the balance between **function, proportion, and light.**
**Design and Details**
What appears at first to be a simple oval vase soon reveals itself as a masterclass in **craftsmanship and optical nuance**. The body—ovoid, full, and fluid—rises gracefully to a subtly flared **fish-mouth rim**, a gesture of openness and organic movement. The surface is meticulously adorned with an **“olive cut” pattern**, a constellation of ellipses and engraved lines that catch light like still water kissed by sun.
This technique—not merely decorative—transforms the vase into a **light sculpture**, refracting clarity and shadow with every shift in angle. Whether sunlit or softly spotlit, it sparkles with quiet drama.
* **Height:** 18.5 cm
* **Diameter (widest point):** 12 cm
* **Weight:** 2,192 grams
* **Material:** Mouth-blown lead crystal
* **Finish:** High-polish with deep engraved cuts
* **Condition:** Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age. This was a **“Vitrinenobjekt”** (display-only piece) and has been preserved with care.
**About the Designer**
**Erich Jachmann** (active mid-20th century) played a key role in WMF’s postwar transition from metalwork to modernist glass. His work is defined by **restrained elegance**, **precision of form**, and a sensuous handling of material. Unlike decorative excess or nostalgic motifs, Jachmann’s creations celebrate the **honesty of geometry** and the **sculptural presence of utility.**
His “olive cut” pieces—like this one—represent the highest echelon of German crystal design in the 1960s, merging **Bauhaus sobriety** with the **material lushness** of cut glass.
**Why It Matters**
This vase is not just a vessel; it is a **testament to a cultural moment**—a time when form and function re-entered a dialogue, and when designers like Jachmann carved clarity from chaos. It speaks to the **aesthetic optimism** of the postwar period, and its **timeless modernity** makes it as relevant in a contemporary space as it would be on a vintage Dieter Rams sideboard.
Whether you're an aficionado of **mid-century German design**, a collector of **fine glasswork**, or someone who simply appreciates objects with integrity, this vase deserves a place in your collection—or on your table, shelf, or plinth.
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**Shipping & Handling:**
The vase will be professionally packed and shipped with full insurance. Worldwide delivery is available; costs depend on destination.
Please inquire if purchasing multiple items—I’m happy to combine shipping when feasible.
**Collector’s Note:**
A museum-quality object that resonates far beyond its decorative function. Pairs beautifully with minimalist, brutalist, or Scandinavian interiors—and makes an ideal gift for lovers of Bauhaus-era refinement.
GENERAL INFORMATION
**Explore my profile for more retro vases, vintage fashion, and designer goods!**
**Questions are welcome and will be answered promptly.**
**International buyers are welcome!**
*Please contact me in advance for precise delivery costs if you're located outside the EU. Any import duties or taxes are the buyer's responsibility.*
I strive to describe all items as accurately and honestly as possible, including detailed photos of the actual items for sale. However, please be aware that descriptions can be subjective. Vintage or pre-owned items often show signs of wear due to age, and while I make every effort to identify and note any significant flaws, some minor imperfections may be overlooked.
Naturally occurring manufacturer’s defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use may be present.
Any condition beyond typical vintage wear, such as chips, cracks, or other significant defects, will be clearly noted in the description and visible in the photos.
*If you are purchasing multiple items, please contact me before completing your purchase to confirm whether they can be shipped together in the same parcel.*
**Important Notice:** This transaction is between a private seller and a private buyer of secondhand items. **No refunds, returns, or warranties** are accepted or provided, in accordance with German law. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
**Privacy Notice:** Buyer information will be used solely for the purpose of completing the transaction and arranging shipment.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsTransparentMaterialCrystal, GlassNumber of items1BrandWMFHeight19 cmWidth13 cmDepth13 cm
Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales