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Josef Hospodka for Chřibská Glassworks Sculptural Sommerso Art Glass Vase Duo
€249€199-20%Bid from €149
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales
Product description
Josef Hospodka for Chřibská Glassworks – Sculptural Sommerso Art Glass Vase Duo, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
An exceptional curated pair of sculptural art glass vases designed by Josef Hospodka for the historic Chřibská glassworks during the golden age of Czechoslovak glass design in the 1960s.
Combining vibrant colour, fluid organic form, and extraordinary technical craftsmanship, these two hand-blown vases perfectly illustrate why Hospodka remains one of the most celebrated figures in twentieth-century Bohemian glass. Their dramatic silhouettes, folded contours, and luminous colour transitions transform each vase into a work of sculpture as much as a functional vessel.
The larger vase rises in an elegant, elongated form with deeply undulating rims and sweeping clear glass extensions that appear almost wing-like. The smaller companion echoes the same design language in a broader, more compact composition, creating a harmonious dialogue of scale and proportion.
Both pieces showcase one of the hallmarks of mid-century Czech glassmaking: the sophisticated layering of colour within clear crystal. Rich cobalt and sapphire tones emerge around the upper portions, gradually dissolving into delicate rose and pink hues toward the base. Encased within thick clear glass, the colours seem suspended in space, producing remarkable depth, luminosity, and constantly changing optical effects.
When illuminated by natural or artificial light, the vases reveal the extraordinary qualities that made Bohemian art glass internationally renowned. The interaction of colour, transparency, and form creates a dynamic visual experience from every angle.
About the Designer
Josef Hospodka (1923–1989) ranks among the most important designers of post-war Czech glass. As chief designer of Chřibská during the 1950s and 1960s, he developed a distinctive sculptural language characterised by asymmetrical forms, folded rims, expressive movement, and bold colour combinations.
His designs broke away from traditional decorative glass and embraced a more artistic, almost architectural approach. Today, Hospodka's works are represented in major museum collections and remain among the most sought-after examples of Czech art glass.
About Chřibská
Founded in 1414, Chřibská is considered one of the oldest continuously operating glassworks in Europe. Throughout the twentieth century, the factory became internationally recognised for innovative hand-blown art glass that combined centuries of Bohemian craftsmanship with modern artistic experimentation.
The collaboration between Chřibská and Josef Hospodka produced some of the most iconic glass designs of the mid-century period, many of which have become benchmarks of Czech modernism.
Dimensions
Large Vase:
Height: 30 cm
Diameter: 16 cm
Medium Vase:
Height: 21 cm
Width: 20 cm
Depth: 13 cm
Material
Hand-blown sommerso art glass
Designer
Josef Hospodka
Manufacturer
Chřibská Glassworks (Sklárna Chřibská)
Colour
Blue, pink and clear crystal
Origin
Czechoslovakia
Period
1960s
Condition
Both vases are in excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed. Minor signs of age consistent with careful preservation and use.
Collector's Note
Original Hospodka designs from the 1960s represent some of the most important achievements of Czech studio and factory art glass. Their combination of sculptural form, technical mastery, and vibrant colour continues to attract collectors worldwide. Finding two complementary examples of this quality and scale together is increasingly uncommon.
Placement Suggestions
Displayed together, the pair creates a striking composition of colour and movement. They work beautifully on a sideboard, console, pedestal, or large shelf, where light can pass through the glass and reveal its full optical complexity. Equally at home in mid-century modern, contemporary, Scandinavian, or eclectic interiors.
General Information
Please explore our profile for more vintage vases!
International buyers: import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.
GENERAL INFO Check out my profile for many more retro vases! Questions are welcome and will be answered ASAP International buyers are welcome! Please contact me for exact delivery costs in advance if you're outside the EU I try to describe all the items as accurately and as honestly as possible, and I always include photos of the actual items. There can be naturally occurring manufacturer's defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use. Any condition outside normal vintage wear, like chips or cracks or serious defaults, will be noted and/or clearly visible on the photos. Most importantly: this is a transaction between a private seller and a private buyer of secondhand items, so no refunds or returns are accepted, nor any claims of guarantee or similar services, according to law.
GENERAL INFO Check out my profile for many more retro vases! Questions are welcome and will be answered ASAP International buyers are welcome! Please contact me for exact delivery costs in advance if you're outside the EU I try to describe all the items as accurately and as honestly as possible, and I always include photos of the actual items. There can be naturally occurring manufacturer's defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use. Any condition outside normal vintage wear, like chips or cracks or serious defaults, will be noted and/or clearly visible on the photos. Most importantly: this is a transaction between a private seller and a private buyer of secondhand items, so no refunds or returns are accepted, nor any claims of guarantee or similar services, according to law.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlue, Multi Color, Transparent, PinkMaterialGlassNumber of items2StyleVintageHeight30 cmWidth16 cmDepth16 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales