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Jan Kotik Beránek Glassworks Art Uranium Glass Iconic Vintage Vase Propeller MCM
€459Bid from €395
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About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales
Product description
Uranium Glow in Motion – Mid-Century “Propeller” Vase by Jan Kotík for Baranek Glassworks (ca. 1960)
Vibrant Yellow-Green Handblown Art Glass with Fluorescent Brilliance
Designer: Jan Kotík
Manufacturer: Baranek Glassworks (formerly Škrdlovice), Czechoslovakia
Year: Circa 1960
Series: Propeller
Model Number: 5503
Material: Handblown uranium glass (sommerso technique)
Color: Layered yellow-green with vivid UV-reactive glow
Finish: Glossy
Height: 20 cm
Diameter: approx. 13 cm
Weight: approx. 2.5 kg
A Sculptural Masterwork of Kinetic Form and Optical Fire
Emerging from the golden era of Czech mid-century glass, this handblown uranium crystal vase is a dynamic sculptural piece by avant-garde designer Jan Kotík, created for the famed Baranek Glassworks (also known as Škrdlovice). A masterstroke of technical and aesthetic innovation, it belongs to Kotík’s celebrated “Propeller” series, which turns molten glass into rippling, rotational form—like liquid motion frozen mid-whirl.
Its shape defies symmetry: a complex, bulging form where asymmetrical indentations and swirling layers yield an almost biological elegance, like coral meets centrifugal force. The Sommerso layering technique—fusing green and amber glass in thick walls—creates radiant depth and luminous gradations.
Daylight Charm, UV Drama
Under natural light, the vase glows subtly from within—a citron yellow merging into emerald tones, depending on angle and ambient color. But under UV/blacklight, its uranium content bursts into electric green fluorescence, revealing the magic of historical uranium glassmaking. It transforms from poetic to performative, from classic modernist to cosmic.
About the Artist
Jan Kotík (1916–2002) was one of the leading voices of Czech modernism—an artist, designer, and theorist who brought radical abstraction into the realm of applied arts. A pupil of Prague’s School of Decorative Arts, he merged Constructivist rigor with expressive organicism. His glass designs for Beránek and Škrdlovice are prized for their technical inventiveness and sculptural elegance.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
• No cracks, chips, or restoration
• Light wear to base consistent with careful display
• Please see all photos for a full visual impression
Why Collect This Piece?
✓ Authentic uranium glass with spectacular glow
✓ Iconic 1960s Czech sculptural glass by a leading designer
✓ A rare model from Kotík’s “Propeller” series, highly sought-after
✓ A conversation-starting fusion of kinetic form and luminous material
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please check my profile for more mid-century vases, uranium glass, and design collectibles.
Questions are welcome and will be answered promptly.
International buyers are welcome – please contact for precise delivery quotes outside the EU.
Any customs duties or import taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
All items are carefully documented and photographed. Minor signs of age (e.g. base wear) are normal in vintage items. Any flaws beyond standard vintage wear will be clearly described.
Private sale under German law – no returns, refunds, or warranties. Buyer data is used solely for order fulfillment and shipping.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGreen, Multi Color, Yellow, TransparentMaterialGlassNumber of items1StyleVintageHeight20 cmWidth13 cmDepth13 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales