A 1970s Czech Prachen ‘Applied’ vase, designed by Josef Hospodka

Description

The multi-talented and prolific designer Josef Hospodka began working at the Prachen glassworks, a branch of the Borské Sklo group, in 1969. The simple forms he designed for this range in the same year almost appear like mechanical components. They were embellished with a variety of randomly applied shapes, including spots impressed with a grid-like pattern, prunts impressed with a circle or stylised leaves, and randomly trailed and pooled glass impressed with any of the aforementioned motifs.  All were a new departure for Hospodka, and are quite unlike the curving, bud- or flower-like designs he produced during the 1950s & 60s for the Chribskà glassworks.

The contrast between the angular, geometric form and the almost organic decoration is unusual, and is suggestive of outer space, futuristic technology, or alien life forms. Hospodka no doubt knew of the moon landing, and was perhaps inspired by this.

Colour is an important aspect of the design - although they appear to be a complimentary green, the applied motifs are actually blue (see detail image), and only appear green when combined with, and viewed through, the yellow body. Other colours used for the range include lime green, pink, and light and dark blue.

This unusual range appears not to have been very successful in is day, despite the practicality of the forms. Large examples like this are very scarce today, particularly in this form and with this combination of applied motifs.

10.25in (26cm) high

Condition
Excellent vintage condition with no chips or cracks, noting one shallow 4mm x 1mm bruise that probably happened in production to the edge of the base - pictures on request.

Literature
Czechoslovak Glass Review, published by Artia in 1970. This form and pattern is shown in a photograph the periodical where the design is numbered 47691.

Hi Sklo Lo Sklo: Postwar Czech Glass Design From Masterpiece to Mass-Produced by Mark Hill, published by Mark Hill Publishing Ltd in 2008, p.41.

Sklo: Czech Glass Design From The 1950-70s, by Mark Hill, published by Mark Hill Publishing Ltd in 2017, pages 56-57.

Shipping
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