Kai Blomqvist Candle Holder & Vase

Style Brutalist
Materials Mould-blown Glass
Dimensions H 18cm X D 11.5cm, 0.8kg
Identifying Marks Signed
Condition Excellent Vintage Condition
Year 1970s
Country Finland

Mould-blown Glass Candle Holder & Vase by Kai Blomqvist for Kumela, Finland. 1970s

This fun piece from the 70s features solid mould-blown crystal in ombre amethyst tones. The interesting design doubles as both a candle holder and vase with separate cavities, and can be placed either way up to serve a different function! 

The piece is in excellent vintage condition with no notches, cracks, repairs or discolouration. It is signed ‘Kai Blomqvist’ and ‘Oy Kumela’ on the inside rim. The candleholder fits a standard taper candle with a 2/2.5cm diameter. 

Brutalism emerged in the 1950’s and grew out of the early 20^th century Modernist movement. The term comes from the French words ‘beton brut’, which means raw concrete. This is quite fitting given the characteristics of Brutalism –  rough, unfinished surfaces, unusual shapes, heavy looking materials and straight lines.