OVAL VASE (UNIQUE PIECE)

This is a unique piece that was presented at a solo exhibition held at the Kluuvin Gallery in Helsinki in 1985.
This solo exhibition primarily featured fabrics designed for MARIMEKKO, and this is one of the few glass pieces that were exhibited.
It features a soft texture with a frosted finish on thick, weighty blue glass.
Designed to harmonize with the graphical patterns of the fabrics, it is an elliptical piece with gentle curves, as if capturing the movement of the fabric.
It also shows an experimental sculptural quality that would lead to KIVI, one of Heikki Orvola's most famous works, which was designed two years later in 1987.
The cut signature reads, "Heikki Orvola Nuutajärvi."
The sticker marked "14" is the exhibit number from the exhibition.
*In good condition with no noticeable damage.

HEIKKI ORVOLA｜Heikki Orvola｜1943-｜FINLAND

Heikki Orvola majored in ceramics at the Institute of Industrial Arts, studying under Kyllikki Salmenhaara.
In 1968, his final year, he learned glass manufacturing at Nuutajärvi as a summer intern, and his pressed-glass ashtrays, Omena and Norsuntassu, were put into production.
Despite having a job offer from Arabia, he started his career as a designer at Nuutajärvi at the invitation of Kaj Franck. (At that time, both Arabia and Nuutajärvi were part of the Wärtsilä group.)
He stayed at Nuutajärvi until 1983, designing numerous products and art pieces. Afterward, while continuing to be involved as a freelancer, he excelled as a designer in a wide range of fields, including enamelware at Järvenpää Emali, ceramics at Arabia, and textiles at Marimekko.
He also taught ceramics and glass design at his alma mater, the Institute of Industrial Arts, for many years, guiding younger generations.
He has received numerous awards, including the Best Student Award at the Faenza International Ceramics Exhibition, the Pro Finlandia Medal, and the Kaj Franck Award.