Kaj Franck 'Harso' Bowl

A  biomorphic 'Harso' (Gauze) bowl designed by Kaj Franck, Finland, 1953. The organic shape of the bowl was free-blown whilst the decorative pattern has been achieved using the ariel technique.

Essentially, a wave pattern is etched around the core of the piece. Overlaying the core is clear glass which has trapped air bubbles in the recesses of the etching beneath. The result is very effective, similar to a net being suspended in mid-air.

Although designed as an art piece, the thickness, quality of the glass, and the overall stability mean it could be used. For example, proportionally and colourwise, Nocellara olives would look fantastic served in this bowl.

Nuutajärvi Glassworks produced this design, with the Model Number KF109, for 6 years, from 1953 to 58. This is an earlier example being hand etched with the date 1954.