This commanding hand-blown vessel is a definitive expression of Finnish modernist glass artistry, featuring a deeply saturated cranberry core that radiates into a luminous amber rim. The architectural, wide-flaring silhouette is elevated by an intentional field of controlled internal air inclusions (bullicante), creating a rhythmic optical play that captures and refracts light. Its substantial mass and sophisticated tonal transitions from magenta-toned cranberry to golden amber reflect the peak of the Scandinavian studio glass movement.
Attribution & Period
The base features a professionally engraved presentation signature and date: "S. Kiitos 69." The "S" prefix denotes Suomi (Finland), while "Kiitos" identifies the piece as a bespoke commemorative or diplomatic gift commissioned from a premier Finnish glassworks—likely Riihimäki or Kumela—during the 1969 revival of experimental studio techniques. The elongated, stylized script is the hallmark of a master factory engraver.
Material & Fluorescence
The glass composition utilizes traditional 1960s mineral oxides, confirmed by a dual-spectrum UV reaction. Under 365nm light, the amber transitions exhibit a characteristic manganese-yellow glow, while the cranberry core reveals a vibrant cadmium-orange fluorescence, authenticating the piece’s mid-century chemical "recipe" and high-quality mineral content.
Condition & Construction
Condition: Excellent. The glass remains brilliantly clear with a high-polished luster. The base shows age-appropriate shelf contact consistent with its five-decade history as a curated object.
Base: Expertly ground and perfectly smooth polished pontil, a finish reserved for the highest grade of Finnish art glass production.
Technique: Multi-layered Sommerso gather with precisely introduced air-suspension.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 5 1/8 inches
Mouth Diameter: 8 1/2 inches
Weight: 1.674 lbs
Presence: A substantial, balanced sculptural object with significant visual weight.
Placement
This vessel functions as a high-impact architectural centerpiece. It is ideally suited for a minimalist gallery pedestal or a mid-century teak sideboard, where backlighting can fully activate the internal bubble structure and the glowing cranberry-to-amber gradient.
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 vintage and antique glass 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 a guaranteed maker identification.
This commanding hand-blown vessel is a definitive expression of Finnish modernist glass artistry, featuring a deeply saturated cranberry core that radiates into a luminous amber rim. The architectural, wide-flaring silhouette is elevated by an intentional field of controlled internal air inclusions (bullicante), creating a rhythmic optical play that captures and refracts light. Its substantial mass and sophisticated tonal transitions from magenta-toned cranberry to golden amber reflect the peak of the Scandinavian studio glass movement.
Attribution & Period
The base features a professionally engraved presentation signature and date: "S. Kiitos 69." The "S" prefix denotes Suomi (Finland), while "Kiitos" identifies the piece as a bespoke commemorative or diplomatic gift commissioned from a premier Finnish glassworks—likely Riihimäki or Kumela—during the 1969 revival of experimental studio techniques. The elongated, stylized script is the hallmark of a master factory engraver.
Material & Fluorescence
The glass composition utilizes traditional 1960s mineral oxides, confirmed by a dual-spectrum UV reaction. Under 365nm light, the amber transitions exhibit a characteristic manganese-yellow glow, while the cranberry core reveals a vibrant cadmium-orange fluorescence, authenticating the piece’s mid-century chemical "recipe" and high-quality mineral content.
Condition & Construction
Condition: Excellent. The glass remains brilliantly clear with a high-polished luster. The base shows age-appropriate shelf contact consistent with its five-decade history as a curated object.
Base: Expertly ground and perfectly smooth polished pontil, a finish reserved for the highest grade of Finnish art glass production.
Technique: Multi-layered Sommerso gather with precisely introduced air-suspension.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 5 1/8 inches
Mouth Diameter: 8 1/2 inches
Weight: 1.674 lbs
Presence: A substantial, balanced sculptural object with significant visual weight.
Placement
This vessel functions as a high-impact architectural centerpiece. It is ideally suited for a minimalist gallery pedestal or a mid-century teak sideboard, where backlighting can fully activate the internal bubble structure and the glowing cranberry-to-amber gradient.
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 vintage and antique glass 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 a guaranteed maker identification.
Image 1 of 16
Image 2 of 16
Image 3 of 16
Image 4 of 16
Image 5 of 16
Image 6 of 16
Image 7 of 16
Image 8 of 16
Image 9 of 16
Image 10 of 16
Image 11 of 16
Image 12 of 16
Image 13 of 16
Image 14 of 16
Image 15 of 16
Image 16 of 16
