A 1960s Czech Mstisov ‘Romana’ large glass vase, designed by Hana Machovska

Description

The ‘Romana’ vase is one of the most elegant designs of the 1960s, with its balanced choice of colours and form. I love the design so much that I used another example on the back cover of ‘Hi Sklo Lo Sklo’, my first book on Czech glass. Designed by Hana Machovska in 1961, it was produced at the Mstisov Glassworks until they closed in 1964, and production was moved to Moser, where it continued to be produced for only a few years.

The design was inspired by ‘Rhapsody’, with its applied straps, designed in 1960 by Machovska’s mentor Frantisek Zemek (1913-60). As one would expect with a prestigious name like Moser, the range was sold by high-end retailers like Harrods in London. Other forms in the range included a bowl, a basket and a double candleholder, but none are as elegant as the vase. This range is becoming increasingly scarce, and this is arguably the best design from the range.

22.5cm high, 14cm widest

Literature
Czechoslovak Glass Review, issue 5, publishing by Artia in 1961, for an article discussing range titled 'Romana'.

Sklo ze Mstisova (Glass from Mstisov) 1956-1964, by Jitka Bazantova, published by the Regional Museum of Teplice in 2019, pages 58-61.

Sklo: Czech Glass Design from the 1950s-70s, by Mark Hill, published by Mark Hill Publishing Ltd in 2017, page 71.

Condition
Overall, excellent. The yellow body has a small internal bubble about a quarter of the way up on the right hand side, and a pale elongated teardrop shape caused by the yellow powdered enamel used to colour the body above. Botht he factory at the time and I consider both as ‘birthmarks of creation’ on a piece of handmade glass, and they do not detract from the design.

Shipping
Postage and packing is free within the UK. If you live outside the UK, please contact me to obtain a shipping quote. I pack and ship at cost, and do not make any money from this service. Items are sent via Royal Mail signed and tracked services, but I am happy to use another service at your request.