Kai Blomqvist Vase

Style Brutalist
Country Finland

Mould-blown Glass Vase by Kai Blomqvist for Kumela Riihimaki, Finland

Signed
c. 1970’s, Brutalist/Modernist, Finland
Good Vintage Condition
H 15cm, W 19.5cm, D 14.5cm, 1.9kg

This truly stunning vase features super solid mould-blown crystal in ombre amber tones. It has a beautiful sculptural-like quality and is in good condition for its age with some minor signs of wear at rim commensurate with age. No cracks, repairs or discolouration. It is signed ‘Kai Blomqvist’ and ‘Oy Kumela’.

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. I like how this vase really embodies these architectural qualities.