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Glass & ceramics are widely used for making household utensils. Apart from making household materials, glass & ceramics have found their place in many areas. Glass can be called as a type of ceramic. Glass is known to be a non-crystalline material. It is an amorphous solid, which means that it has no long-range order of positioning of its molecules. Ceramic can be termed as an inorganic material. Unlike glass, ceramics may have crystalline or partly crystalline structures. Ceramics may also be amorphous. Glass & ceramics are brittle and break at the instance of a small force. Glass is also transparent, which means light passes through it. Ceramics may be opaque, which means it does not allow light to pass through it. The earliest ceramic products were pottery made out of clay. The history of glass dates back to 3500 BC in Mesopotamia. The term Glass was first developed during the late Roman empire. Ceramics comes from Greek word keramikos, which means pottery and keramos, which means potter's clay. Ceramics are hard, brittle, oxidation resistant, wear-resistant, thermal and electrical insulating, refractory, nonmagnetic, chemically stable and prone to thermal shock (differencebetween.net)
Set of two opaline cups made in Belgium, in the 1970s
Glass & Ceramics, Home Accessories, Kitchenware & Tableware
Set of two beautiful ice cream (or sherbet) cups made of glass and opaline and produced in Belgium, in the 1970s. Colored in bright vivid orange, this cups features the Atomic Age aesthetics. The cups are in very good vintage shape. Atomic Age in design refers to the period roughly corresponding to 1940–1960 and extending in the 1970s, when concerns about nuclear war dominated Western society during the Cold War. The discovery and development of the Electron microscope had also a huge impact. Architecture, industrial design, commercial design (including advertising), interior design, and fine arts were all influenced by the themes of atomic science, as well as the Space Age, which coincided with that period. Atomic Age design became popular and instantly recognizable, with a use of atomic motifs and space age symbols. Retrofuturism is a current resurgence of interest in Atomic Age design. Free-form organic shapes also appear as a recurring theme in Atomic Age design, reflecting x-ray technology that was becoming more widespread and familiar in pop culture. These botanic designs influenced later Atomic Age patterns that included repeating organic shapes similar to cells and organisms viewed through a microscope. Vital forms, or abstract organic forms, were identified as a core motif.
Smoky Selandia dish by Per Lütken
Glass & Ceramics, Home Accessories, Kitchenware & Tableware, Special Discounts
Selandia was designed by Per Lütken in the spring of 1957. The dish was fashioned by hand, and its shape is created when the glass blower carefully turns, raises and lowers the hot glass. The visual softness contained in the glass at 1400 degrees Celsius can be seen directly in the cooled, transparent version of the dish. The dish is decorated by engraving/glass cutting. Identified and dated on the bottom, "Holmegaard 19PL59" (Per Lütken signed almost always monogrammed with initials falling between the 4 digits of the year).
Murano sommerso vase in blue and yellow
Glass & Ceramics, Home Accessories
Beautiful Murano sommerso vase in blue and yellow. The piece is made in the 1960s and is kept in very good condition, showing no visible deterioration. When thinking of Murano glass, it is highly unlikely that we think of sand, yet this rare material is at the base of all glass production. Glass is firstly a mix of siliceous sand, soda, lime and potassium, which is put to melt inside an oven at a temperature of around 1.500 Celsius. After it has become flexible enough, it is removed with a pipe that will be used to blow the glass out while the glassmaker shapes and models it. The forms and colors given to each piece depend on the tools and chemicals used during its production. The techniques are also important.. One of the most common techniques is "Sommerso", which in Italian literally means "submerged". This technique is used to create several layers of glass (usually with different contrasting colors) inside a single object, giving the illusion of "immersed" colors that lay on top of each other without mixing. This is done by uniting different layers of glass through heat and repeatedly immersing them in pots of molten colored glass. This technique is quite recognizable: it is characterized by an outer layer of colorless glass and thick layers of colored glass inside it, as if a big drop of color had been captured inside the transparent glass. When one first sees these objects, it seems almost impossible to conceive such beautiful colors being locked so perfectly inside what would seem solid glass, and then undoubtedly one begins to wonder how ever did they manage to achieve such a complex game of shapes and colors right in the middle of a clear glass object. Source: glassofvenice.com
Arkipelago candlestik, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
The "Arkipelago" candlesticks, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala, were produced in different sizes and were created from the very beginning to be collected. Precisely to give them a high degree of preciousness, the glass is hand-molded. Timo Tapani Sarpaneva (31 October 1926 – 6 October 2006) was an influential Finnish designer, sculptor, and educator best known in the art world for innovative work in glass, which often merged attributes of display art objects with utilitarian designations. While glass remained his most commonly addressed medium, he worked with metal, wood, textiles, and porcelain (china). Sarpaneva has entered homes around the world through his industrial design of upscale, artistically conceived items, including cast-iron cookware and porcelain dinnerware. His work was among the key components that helped to launch Finland's reputation as a trailblazer of design. Sarpaneva's first international recognition in glass work came with a Grand Prix from the Milan Triennale in 1954 that included Sarpaneva's series Orkidea ("Orchid"), Kajakki ("Kayak"), and Lansetti ("Lancet") adopted for production by Iittala. Iittala, founded as a glassworks in 1881, is a Finnish design brand specialising in design objects, tableware and cookware. Iittala's official i-logo was designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1956. Iittala has strong design roots in glasswares and art glass which can be seen in, for example, the early designs of Aino Aalto glasses designed by Aino Aalto in 1932; Alvar Aalto's Savoy Vase (Aalto Vase) from 1936; Oiva Toikka's Birds by Toikka glass birds collection that has been made since 1962, his glassware set Kastehelmi from 1964 and Tapio Wirkkala's glasses Ultima Thule from 1968. Iittala is the world's most famous glass company in the whole world. Over time, Iittala has expanded from glass to other materials, such as ceramics and metal while keeping with their key philosophy of progressive elegant and timeless design, such as Kaj Franck's Teema ceramic tableware from 1952 and Timo Sarpaneva's cast iron pot Sarpaneva from 1960. Iittala focuses on timeless design which can be seen not only in older creations but in the modern classics such as cookware Tools designed by Björn Dahlström in 1998 and Heikki Orvola's Kivi candleholders from 1988. Source: wikipedia.org
Iittala fruit bowl made in the 1970s
Beautiful and elegant fruit bowl designed by Tapio Wirkkala and made by Iittala in the 1970s. Tapio Veli Ilmari Wirkkala (2 June 1915, Hanko – 19 May 1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor, a major figure of post-war design. His work ranges from plastic ketchup bottles and metalware to glass, ceramics and plywood in a range of styles. He designed the Finnish markka banknotes introduced in 1955. His range was immense, designing glassware, stoneware, jewelry, and furniture for mass production, as well as individual sculptures in several media. Among his most famous works have been the design for the Finlandia vodka bottle (1970-2000) and for Iittala's Ultima Thule set of kitchen glasses. Both glassware items feature a dripping icicle look, and in the case of Iittala's popular glassware it is said to have taken thousands of hours to develop a glassblowing technique that would produce the effect. Wirkkala did much of his initial design work using a traditional Finnish carving knife, the puukko. Wirkkala designed his own version of the knife. The Tapio Wirkkala Puukko was built by Hackman Cutlery and marketed by Brookstone in the US in the early-1970s. Iittala, founded as a glassworks in 1881, is a Finnish design brand specialising in design objects, tableware and cookware. Iittala's official i-logo was designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1956. Iittala has strong design roots in glasswares and art glass which can be seen in, for example, the early designs of Aino Aalto glasses designed by Aino Aalto in 1932; Alvar Aalto's Savoy Vase (Aalto Vase) from 1936; Oiva Toikka's Birds by Toikka glass birds collection that has been made since 1962, his glassware set Kastehelmi from 1964 and Tapio Wirkkala's glasses Ultima Thule from 1968. Iittala is the world's most famous glass company in the whole world. Over time, Iittala has expanded from glass to other materials, such as ceramics and metal while keeping with their key philosophy of progressive elegant and timeless design, such as Kaj Franck's Teema ceramic tableware from 1952 and Timo Sarpaneva's cast iron pot Sarpaneva from 1960. Iittala focuses on timeless design which can be seen not only in older creations but in the modern classics such as cookware Tools designed by Björn Dahlström in 1998 and Heikki Orvola's Kivi candleholders from 1988. Source: wikipedia.org
Beautiful smoky ashtray by Per Lütken
Beautiful smoky ashtray designed by Per Lütken for Holmegaard (although it can also be used as a bowl for peanuts or candies). Signed, identified and dated on the bottom, "Holmegaard 19PL57" (Per Lütken signed almost always monogrammed with initials falling between the 4 digits of the year).
Ultima Thule bowl, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala
Inspired by the melting ice in Lapland, the Ultima Thule series is design legend Tapio Wirkkala's most famous work. Wirkkala originally created the surface of Ultima Thule in the 1960s after carving into a graphic mold. Ultima Thule is an exclusive design which reflects the thousands of hours spent perfecting the glass-blowing technique required to produce the effect. Tapio Veli Ilmari Wirkkala (2 June 1915, Hanko – 19 May 1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor, a major figure of post-war design. His work ranges from plastic ketchup bottles and metalware to glass, ceramics and plywood in a range of styles. He designed the Finnish markka banknotes introduced in 1955. His range was immense, designing glassware, stoneware, jewelry, and furniture for mass production, as well as individual sculptures in several media. Among his most famous works have been the design for the Finlandia vodka bottle (1970-2000) and for Iittala's Ultima Thule set of kitchen glasses. Both glassware items feature a dripping icicle look, and in the case of Iittala's popular glassware it is said to have taken thousands of hours to develop a glassblowing technique that would produce the effect. Wirkkala did much of his initial design work using a traditional Finnish carving knife, the puukko. Wirkkala designed his own version of the knife. The Tapio Wirkkala Puukko was built by Hackman Cutlery and marketed by Brookstone in the US in the early-1970s. Iittala, founded as a glassworks in 1881, is a Finnish design brand specialising in design objects, tableware and cookware. Iittala's official i-logo was designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1956. Iittala has strong design roots in glasswares and art glass which can be seen in, for example, the early designs of Aino Aalto glasses designed by Aino Aalto in 1932; Alvar Aalto's Savoy Vase (Aalto Vase) from 1936; Oiva Toikka's Birds by Toikka glass birds collection that has been made since 1962, his glassware set Kastehelmi from 1964 and Tapio Wirkkala's glasses Ultima Thule from 1968. Iittala is the world's most famous glass company in the whole world. Over time, Iittala has expanded from glass to other materials, such as ceramics and metal while keeping with their key philosophy of progressive elegant and timeless design, such as Kaj Franck's Teema ceramic tableware from 1952 and Timo Sarpaneva's cast iron pot Sarpaneva from 1960. Iittala focuses on timeless design which can be seen not only in older creations but in the modern classics such as cookware Tools designed by Björn Dahlström in 1998 and Heikki Orvola's Kivi candleholders from 1988. Source: wikipedia.org
Green bullicante Murano ashtray
Beautiful controlled bubbles (bullicante) ashtray made of glass in Murano, Italy, in the 1960s. Hand blown, this pice features the shape of a flower in an amazing shade of translucent emerald green. The quality and tradition that characterize Murano's finest glass furnaces have always been worthy of the highest appreciation. This prestige is due mostly to the glass masters' hard work and dedication, which are the very core of Murano's most famous trade. Glassmaking has been passed on from one generation to the next one, with constant innovations and timeless originality. The loyalty and respect with which this trade is treated is possibly the key to Murano's success. Glass masters all over the island have always worked with endless vitality, and this creative vein is evident in every glass artwork that comes out of any furnace, with improved techniques and bewildering effects. The "bullicante" effect is amongst the most famous glass making techniques and it is seen quite often around the island of Murano. If you've had the fortune of strolling along the streets of Venice, you would have noticed beautiful glass pieces with small air bubbles trapped in the inside, possibly stopping to wonder how that seemingly impossible effect is achieved. This peculiar effect is obtained by placing a piece of molten glass inside a metallic mold with spikes, very much resembling a pineapple's texture. These spikes cause small holes on the surface creating a pattern all around the glass piece. After it's been left to cool down for a few moments, the whole piece is submerged in molten glass again. This second layer completely covers the first one. However, thanks to the thick consistency of glass, the holes previously impressed on the first layer are not covered, thus causing air to be trapped between both layers of glass. This process can be repeated several times, creating a pattern as complicated as the glass master wishes. This technique gives not only a sense of depth to the whole object, but also an incomparable decorative effect, famous for its originality. Source: glassofvenice.com
Small purple Murano bowl made in the 1970s
Small purple Murano bowl made in the 1970s. Nicely colored in an exquisite purple shade, the bowl features a "half an apple" shape, which has been very popular in Murano since the second half of the 1950s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition. During World War II the industry did not thrive, but as soon as the war was over the glass masters of Murano returned to their art and created pieces deeply rooted in interior design trends of that time with focus on minimalism, functionality, and simplicity. To support these trends Murano artists and artisans returned to techniques of the past such as filigree, murrino, and lattimo. From that point onwards Murano saw continued exploration of styles and techniques striving to find a happy medium between the technical mastery and the outline, color, and decoration. The resulting continuous innovation led to a rise in popularity and to multiple prizes at various international art exhibitions. Thanks to such prominent artists as Archimede Seguso, Ludovico and Laura De Santillana, Tobia Scarpa, Ercole Barovier, Fulvio Bianconi, Toni Zuccheri, Romano Chrivi, Giampaolo Martinuzzi, and Alfredo Barbini, Murano again became known as the glassblowing capital of the world. Murano now created the art trends as opposed to following them in the years past. Source: glassofvenice.com
Kekkerit bowl, designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala
Beautiful Kekkerit bowl designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. The stunning Kekkerit (which, incidentally, means party in Finnish) range, also referred to as Finlandia or Moukku, was designed in 1970. Crafted of fine crystal, this highly textured vase literally sparkles with an amazing ice like quality. This piece looks as if it has been carved from glacial ice. The impressive bark like texture, high quality crystal and stunning pattern make this superb piece a truly iconic timeless design. Timo Tapani Sarpaneva (31 October 1926 – 6 October 2006) was an influential Finnish designer, sculptor, and educator best known in the art world for innovative work in glass, which often merged attributes of display art objects with utilitarian designations. While glass remained his most commonly addressed medium, he worked with metal, wood, textiles, and porcelain (china). Sarpaneva has entered homes around the world through his industrial design of upscale, artistically conceived items, including cast-iron cookware and porcelain dinnerware. His work was among the key components that helped to launch Finland's reputation as a trailblazer of design. Sarpaneva's first international recognition in glass work came with a Grand Prix from the Milan Triennale in 1954 that included Sarpaneva's series Orkidea ("Orchid"), Kajakki ("Kayak"), and Lansetti ("Lancet") adopted for production by Iittala. Iittala, founded as a glassworks in 1881, is a Finnish design brand specialising in design objects, tableware and cookware. Iittala's official i-logo was designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1956. Iittala has strong design roots in glasswares and art glass which can be seen in, for example, the early designs of Aino Aalto glasses designed by Aino Aalto in 1932; Alvar Aalto's Savoy Vase (Aalto Vase) from 1936; Oiva Toikka's Birds by Toikka glass birds collection that has been made since 1962, his glassware set Kastehelmi from 1964 and Tapio Wirkkala's glasses Ultima Thule from 1968. Iittala is the world's most famous glass company in the whole world. Over time, Iittala has expanded from glass to other materials, such as ceramics and metal while keeping with their key philosophy of progressive elegant and timeless design, such as Kaj Franck's Teema ceramic tableware from 1952 and Timo Sarpaneva's cast iron pot Sarpaneva from 1960. Iittala focuses on timeless design which can be seen not only in older creations but in the modern classics such as cookware Tools designed by Björn Dahlström in 1998 and Heikki Orvola's Kivi candleholders from 1988. Source: wikipedia.org
Beautiful Næbvase (Duckling or Beak vase) by Per Lütken
Spectacular vase from the famous Næbvase (Duckling or Beak vase) series, signed by Per Lütken and produced at Holmegaard. A very exquisite piece, which was appreciated since the beginning for its supple, organic and soft shape. Signed, identified and dated on the bottom, "Holmegaard 19PL55" (Per Lütken signed almost always monogrammed with initials falling between the 4 digits of the year). The Næbvase (Duckling or Beak vase) series was in production between 1952 and 1974.
Tricolor Murano ashtray (or dish) in blue, red and green
Tricolor Murano ashtray (or dish) in blue, red and green. This piece is remarkable in its fluid shapes, the zoomorphic look (seen from the top, it resembles the image of a cat's head), the fine quality of the glass, and the dialogue between the three differently colored compartments. Hand blown, this piece is kept in very good vintage condition. The quality and tradition that characterize Murano's finest glass furnaces have always been worthy of the highest appreciation. This prestige is due mostly to the glass masters' hard work and dedication, which are the very core of Murano's most famous trade. Glassmaking has been passed on from one generation to the next one, with constant innovations and timeless originality. The loyalty and respect with which this trade is treated is possibly the key to Murano's success. Glass masters all over the island have always worked with endless vitality, and this creative vein is evident in every glass artwork that comes out of any furnace, with improved techniques and bewildering effects. Source: glassofvenice.com
Bubbles orchid vase by Per Lütken
Exquisite Bubbles orchid vase (soliflore, or one flower vase) designed by Per Lütken and made at Holmegaard in 1951. Resembling a flower bulb, the base is executed in the controlled bubbles technique. This slim, minimalist and elegant vase quickly became an icon of Danish Mid-Century glass design. The model was later reproduced by other factories in Scandinavia, especially by the Swedes from Kosta and from Åseda.
Spectacular Murano cigar ashtray from the 1960s
Spectacular Murano cigar ashtray made of glass. The piece is distinguished by its fluid shapes, by the fine quality of the glass, as well as by its intense and extremely beautiful ruby red color. Hand blown, this piece is kept in very good vintage condition. The quality and tradition that characterize Murano's finest glass furnaces have always been worthy of the highest appreciation. This prestige is due mostly to the glass masters' hard work and dedication, which are the very core of Murano's most famous trade. Glassmaking has been passed on from one generation to the next one, with constant innovations and timeless originality. The loyalty and respect with which this trade is treated is possibly the key to Murano's success. Glass masters all over the island have always worked with endless vitality, and this creative vein is evident in every glass artwork that comes out of any furnace, with improved techniques and bewildering effects. Source: glassofvenice.com
Controlled bubbles (bullicante) Murano ashtray
Beautiful controlled bubbles (bullicante) Murano ashtray made of glass. Hand blown, this piece displays a nice chromatic effect and goes from dark green (to the rim) to clear white (at the bottom). The quality and tradition that characterize Murano's finest glass furnaces have always been worthy of the highest appreciation. This prestige is due mostly to the glass masters' hard work and dedication, which are the very core of Murano's most famous trade. Glassmaking has been passed on from one generation to the next one, with constant innovations and timeless originality. The loyalty and respect with which this trade is treated is possibly the key to Murano's success. Glass masters all over the island have always worked with endless vitality, and this creative vein is evident in every glass artwork that comes out of any furnace, with improved techniques and bewildering effects. The "bullicante" effect is amongst the most famous glass making techniques and it is seen quite often around the island of Murano. If you've had the fortune of strolling along the streets of Venice, you would have noticed beautiful glass pieces with small air bubbles trapped in the inside, possibly stopping to wonder how that seemingly impossible effect is achieved. This peculiar effect is obtained by placing a piece of molten glass inside a metallic mold with spikes, very much resembling a pineapple's texture. These spikes cause small holes on the surface creating a pattern all around the glass piece. After it's been left to cool down for a few moments, the whole piece is submerged in molten glass again. This second layer completely covers the first one. However, thanks to the thick consistency of glass, the holes previously impressed on the first layer are not covered, thus causing air to be trapped between both layers of glass. This process can be repeated several times, creating a pattern as complicated as the glass master wishes. This technique gives not only a sense of depth to the whole object, but also an incomparable decorative effect, famous for its originality. Source: glassofvenice.com
Round Akva Askebæger bowl by Per Lütken
Aqua Askebæger designed by Per Lütken for Holmegaard. This model is part of the Akva series, which was a huge success and remained in production for more than two decades between 1953 and 1974. Signed, identified and dated on the bottom, "Holmegaard 19PL56" (Per Lütken signed almost always monogrammed with initials falling between the 4 digits of the year). Has a small chip on the rim and some age-related marks. However, all in all it is in a good vintage condition. A rare piece made from hand-blown glass. The Akva series includes items sold under different trade marks and line names: Askebaeger, Dukling, Fiona, Hellas, Lysestage, Menuet, Rondo, Selandia, Thule, Umanak, Surf etc.
Little Akva Askebæger bowl by Per Lütken
Aqua bowl designed by Per Lütken for Holmegaard. This model is part of the Akva series, which was a huge success and remained in production for more than two decades between 1953 and 1974. Signed and identified on the bottom, "HOLMEGAARD PL". Also on bottom has the production number, 15737. Has a small chip on the rim and some age-related marks. However, all in all it is in a good vintage condition. A rare piece made from hand-blown crystal (just a small part of this series was made from crystal and not from glass). The Akva series includes items sold under different trade marks and line names: Askebaeger, Dukling, Fiona, Hellas, Lysestage, Menuet, Rondo, Selandia, Thule, Umanak, Surf etc.
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Any Decade1950-19591960-19691970-1979
Any Designer/ArtistPer LütkenTapio WirkkalaTimo Sarpaneva
Any MakerHolmegaardIittalaMurano
Any Color(s)AquaBlueClearGreenOrangePurpleRedSmokyYellow
Any Country of OriginBelgiumDenmarkFinlandItaly