Kaj Franck 'Harso' Flared Vase

A rare 'Harso' vase, designed by Kaj Franck for Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Finland, in 1953.

Unlike the more austere geometric forms often associated with Franck, this version of 'Harso' possesses a distinctly organic character. Free-blown, the vase opens gracefully from a narrow foot into a broad flared rim, evoking the trumpet-like flowers on a bluebell or foxglove plant. The resulting silhouette is both sculptural and natural.

The glass's internal decoration was achieved using the demanding ariel technique, one of the most celebrated innovations in post-war Scandinavian glassmaking. A flowing wave pattern was first acid-etched around an inner core of translucent off-white glass before being encased in a layer of clear crystal. During this process, tiny air bubbles became trapped within the etched recesses, creating a delicate veil-like effect suspended within the body of the vase.

Indeed, the Finnish name 'Harso' translates as gauze -a very thin, lightweight fabric with a loose, open weave.