Czech Art Glass Vase Duo – Jan Beranek & Frantisek Vizner, 1959–70s

Substantial pair of hand-shaped Czech art glass vases, combining Jan Beránek’s irregular “Red Core” model 5988 with a tall optical vase attributed to František Vízner. Their contrasting forms - one broad and fluid, the other narrow and controlled - are connected by thick glass, layered colour, and strong internal depth.

• Dimensions:
  
  • “Red Core” vase: H 29.5 cm, Dia 13 cm
    
  • “Whirlpool” vase: H 21 cm, Dia 8 cm
    
• Material: Hand-blown, thick-walled cased glass
  
• Manufacturer:
  
  • “Red Core” vase by Jan Beránek, Beránek Glassworks, Škrdlovice
    
  • “Whirlpool” vase by František Vízner, Škrdlovice
    
• Color:
  
  • “Red Core”: Violet, pink, petrol blue, and ruby red
    
  • “Whirlpool”: Amber-orange and translucent green
    
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition; minor base wear and no chips, cracks, or repairs
  
• Era: 1959 and circa late 1960s–1970s
  
• Origin: Czechoslovakia
  
• Remarks: Set of two vases; the attributed vase retains an original Škrdlovice paper label

The 1959 “Red Core” vase is shaped by thick, folded layers surrounding a concentrated ruby centre. Its surface and colour shift with the viewing angle, while the companion vase uses a restrained cylindrical form, encased amber and green glass, and controlled air bubbles to hold movement within the material.

Together, the vases create a measured contrast between irregular volume and strict geometry. They work particularly well on a low sideboard, illuminated shelf, or pedestal where daylight can pass through the glass; the pair can also be separated across a room to repeat colour and visual weight.

Jan Beránek was central to the development of the Škrdlovice glassworks and its tradition of expressive, hand-shaped glass. František Vízner later brought a more controlled vocabulary to Czech glass, favouring clear geometry, substantial walls, and carefully managed optical effects.