This rare art glass vase exhibits a mesmerizing sculptural presence, characterized by its luminous azure-to-clear gradient and sophisticated light interaction. The form is defined by a rhythmic, twisted optic ribbing that animates the conical body, while the wide, saucer-like mid-section features a dense field of controlled "bullicante" bubbles. Most remarkably, the glass possesses a hidden reactive quality, transitioning from a calm aquatic blue in daylight to a vibrant, electric neon green glow under 365nm UV light. This dual-nature makes it an exceptional conversation piece for high-end collectors who value both avant-garde form and rare material science.
Attribution & Period
by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi Notsjö
This piece is hand-signed on the base "Oiva Toikka Nuutajärvi Notsjö," confirming its origin from Finland's most celebrated glassworks. The design language—specifically the playful use of geometry and the experimental addition of UV-reactive uranium or manganese components—stylistically aligns this work with Toikka's late-century studio experiments. Based on the signature style and the specific color palette, it is attributed to the 1980s.
History of the Artist
Oiva Toikka (1931–2019) was a titan of Finnish design and a "Nestor" of Nordic glass. While globally revered for his legendary Birds by Toikka collection (launched in 1972), he was an artist who famously sought to "break free from the functionalism" of traditional Scandinavian design. Working at Nuutajärvi, Finland’s oldest glassworks, Toikka was celebrated for his imaginative, bold, and often humorous approach. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This specific vase represents his "Pro Arte" spirit—where the boundaries between utility and pure sculpture are intentionally blurred.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: [Insert Height Here]
Width / Diameter: [Insert Width Here]
Depth / Base Diameter: [Insert Depth Here]
Weight: [Insert Weight Here]
Condition
The object is in impeccable condition. No chips, cracks, or fleabites are present on the flared rim or the delicate saucer edge. The base shows characteristic but minimal shelf wear, confirming its authentic age. The internal "bullicante" bubbles are perfectly suspended, and the UV reactivity is strong and consistent throughout the vessel.
Authenticity & Construction
A triumph of mouth-blown technical skill, this vase utilizes "uranium" glass properties to achieve its dramatic 365nm UV fluorescence. The construction involves a complex multi-part assembly: a ribbed conical vessel fused to a clear, bubble-inclusive disc, set upon a wide, stable domed base. The signature is diamond-point etched by hand, a standard practice for Toikka’s boutique and exhibition-grade pieces.
Placement
Given its dramatic transformation under blacklight, this piece is ideal for a modern interior with curated lighting. It serves as a sophisticated blue accent by day and a glowing neon sculpture by night, perfect for a glass-fronted display cabinet or an architecturally lit side table.
STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many MCM and antique design objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than guaranteed maker identification.
This rare art glass vase exhibits a mesmerizing sculptural presence, characterized by its luminous azure-to-clear gradient and sophisticated light interaction. The form is defined by a rhythmic, twisted optic ribbing that animates the conical body, while the wide, saucer-like mid-section features a dense field of controlled "bullicante" bubbles. Most remarkably, the glass possesses a hidden reactive quality, transitioning from a calm aquatic blue in daylight to a vibrant, electric neon green glow under 365nm UV light. This dual-nature makes it an exceptional conversation piece for high-end collectors who value both avant-garde form and rare material science.
Attribution & Period
by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajärvi Notsjö
This piece is hand-signed on the base "Oiva Toikka Nuutajärvi Notsjö," confirming its origin from Finland's most celebrated glassworks. The design language—specifically the playful use of geometry and the experimental addition of UV-reactive uranium or manganese components—stylistically aligns this work with Toikka's late-century studio experiments. Based on the signature style and the specific color palette, it is attributed to the 1980s.
History of the Artist
Oiva Toikka (1931–2019) was a titan of Finnish design and a "Nestor" of Nordic glass. While globally revered for his legendary Birds by Toikka collection (launched in 1972), he was an artist who famously sought to "break free from the functionalism" of traditional Scandinavian design. Working at Nuutajärvi, Finland’s oldest glassworks, Toikka was celebrated for his imaginative, bold, and often humorous approach. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This specific vase represents his "Pro Arte" spirit—where the boundaries between utility and pure sculpture are intentionally blurred.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: [Insert Height Here]
Width / Diameter: [Insert Width Here]
Depth / Base Diameter: [Insert Depth Here]
Weight: [Insert Weight Here]
Condition
The object is in impeccable condition. No chips, cracks, or fleabites are present on the flared rim or the delicate saucer edge. The base shows characteristic but minimal shelf wear, confirming its authentic age. The internal "bullicante" bubbles are perfectly suspended, and the UV reactivity is strong and consistent throughout the vessel.
Authenticity & Construction
A triumph of mouth-blown technical skill, this vase utilizes "uranium" glass properties to achieve its dramatic 365nm UV fluorescence. The construction involves a complex multi-part assembly: a ribbed conical vessel fused to a clear, bubble-inclusive disc, set upon a wide, stable domed base. The signature is diamond-point etched by hand, a standard practice for Toikka’s boutique and exhibition-grade pieces.
Placement
Given its dramatic transformation under blacklight, this piece is ideal for a modern interior with curated lighting. It serves as a sophisticated blue accent by day and a glowing neon sculpture by night, perfect for a glass-fronted display cabinet or an architecturally lit side table.
STANDARD ATTRIBUTION & VALUE DISCLOSURE This piece is described to the best of current scholarly and market knowledge. Any maker or regional attribution is based on visual analysis, materials, construction techniques, and documented stylistic comparisons. As with many MCM and antique design objects, definitive attribution may not be possible without original labels or factory records. Pricing reflects condition, quality, decorative appeal, and current collector demand rather than guaranteed maker identification.
Image 1 of 30
Image 2 of 30
Image 3 of 30
Image 4 of 30
Image 5 of 30
Image 6 of 30
Image 7 of 30
Image 8 of 30
Image 9 of 30
Image 10 of 30
Image 11 of 30
Image 12 of 30
Image 13 of 30
Image 14 of 30
Image 15 of 30
Image 16 of 30
Image 17 of 30
Image 18 of 30
Image 19 of 30
Image 20 of 30
Image 21 of 30
Image 22 of 30
Image 23 of 30
Image 24 of 30
Image 25 of 30
Image 26 of 30
Image 27 of 30
Image 28 of 30
Image 29 of 30
Image 30 of 30
