VASE (YELLOW) 1425-140

A vase designed in 1954. In the same year he became director, Kaj Franck began designing geometric glassware at Nuutajärvi, a group company, to harmonize with the Kilta series he launched from Arabia in 1953. 1954 was the year he designed the most products based on this geometric form in his career.

The 1425 was available in three heights and two body diameters. It features a geometric form combining a cylinder and a cone, and a characteristic design with a mountainous projection at the bottom. It was manufactured using the mold-blown (swirl-blown) technique, and there are individual differences in size and glass thickness.

Rare item.

*Although there are minor scratches, it is in good condition with no noticeable damage.

KAJ FRANCK｜1911–1989｜FINLAND

Kaj Franck is one of the leading designers representing 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 appointed chief designer at Arabia and was responsible for revitalizing tableware essential for daily life after the war. In 1946, he became a glass designer at Iittala after winning a prize in a competition at Karhula-Iittala, but in 1950, he transferred to Nuutajärvi, a group company under Wärtsilä, like Arabia, and began designing glassware with a common philosophy as a director for both Arabia and Nuutajärvi.

Kaj Franck's design philosophy, often referred to as "the conscience of Finland," is based on the ideas of "design for the masses" and "the social responsibility of designers." He designed many universal products that could 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. Meanwhile, Franck also created many highly artistic unique pieces of glass at Nuutajärvi through an artisanal approach, which showcase his artistic side.

From 1960, he was also involved in education at the Helsinki School of Art and Design (now Aalto University), greatly 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).