"SOAP BUBBLE" VASE (GREY) L KF113

Designed in 1951 and manufactured from 1951 to 1961. One of the earliest art glass pieces designed at Nuutajärvi.

This vase, named "SOAP BUBBLES," features a simple form with slight irregularities, crafted from thin glass shaped by free-blowing. The piece stands out for its delicate design, emphasizing the texture and transparency of the material itself.

It was also exhibited at the "Design in Scandinavia" exhibition, which toured North America from 1954 to 1957. This is the larger of the two sizes produced.

The cut signature reads 'K. Franck Nuutajärvi Notsjö -61.'
This particular piece was manufactured in 1961.
*There are no noticeable damages, and it is in good condition.

KAJ FRANCK｜カイ・フランク｜1911–1989｜FINLAND

Kaj Franck (Kaj Franck) is one of the leading designers of 20th-century Finnish modern design. He studied under Arttu Brummer at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in Helsinki (now Aalto University). After graduating, he worked in a wide range of fields, including furniture, interiors, and textiles.

In 1945, at the request of Kurt Ekholm, he was invited to Arabia as chief designer, where he was responsible for revamping tableware essential for postwar daily life. In 1946, he became a glass designer at Iittala after winning an award in a Karhula-Iittala competition. However, in 1950, he transferred to Nuutajärvi, a group company under Wärtsilä (which also owned Arabia), and as director, began designing glassware with a shared philosophy with Arabia.

Kaj Franck's design philosophy, often called "the conscience of Finland," was based on the ideas of "design for the masses" and "the social responsibility of the designer." He designed many timeless products that can be used for a long time, using simple geometric forms and colors devoid of ornamentation.

Arabia's KILTA (now TEEMA) series and Nuutajärvi's Tumbler 5027 (now KARTIO) series are long-selling products that continue to be manufactured by Iittala today. At the same time, Franck also created numerous highly artistic unique glass pieces at Nuutajärvi through an artisanal approach, showcasing his artistic side.

From 1960, he was also involved in education at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Helsinki (now Aalto University), significantly influencing Finnish design education. He received numerous awards, including the Lunning Prize (1955), the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale (1957), and the Compasso d'Oro Award (1957).