Borske Sklo NEMO Huge Art Glass Optic Ball Vase

Borske Sklo NEMO Huge Art Glass Optic Ball Vase

Optic moulded ball vase designed by Max Kannegiesser for Borske Sklo in 1959. Fabulously BIG with delightful trippy fish-eye optics. This is from Kannegiesser’s “NEMO” line. The optic effect is sometimes referred to as “Thousand Eye” because it reflects nearby objects in multiples. Measures 9″ tall, 10″ at widest with a massive widest radius of 31″.

Borske Sklo was a glass factory in Czechoslovakia. “Sklo” means “glass”. During the 1938 Nazis occupation, Czech glass makers were reduced to military production and many of it’s artists and intellectuals were sent to concentration camps. Liberated in 1945, the ingenious Czech artists enthusiastically began rebuilding but were again stifled with the Communist takeover in 1948. Czech artistry was dismissed as decadent and it’s artists were forced to produce products that reflected “Socialist Realism”. The decorative arts were practiced as a covert means of self-expression. Glass factories were state-owned, self-expression was risky. Beginning around 1954, Czech makers were allowed more freedom, and little by little returned to their former glory. In 1957 Czech glass was exhibited internationally for the first time since the Communist takeover, and it was so admired that liberalization was then encouraged. This beautiful vase is a product of “born again” artistry.

In very good condition. Glass is clean, free of cracks and chips. The flat polished rims shows use with a number of chiggers on the inner edge. The chiggers have been smoothed, but evidence remains if examined closely.

Blown into a mold and hand finished. The darker smoke grey area surround the optics is satin frosted. No mold lines. Fish-eyes protrude slightly above the satinized areas. Stunning vase with a fabulous history. The glass is a very light smoke black.