Kaj Franck 'Pilari' Vase

A 'Pilari' vase, designed by Kaj Franck in 1958 for Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Finland.

Franck was paramount in the development of Finland's modern aesthetic during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his utilitarian wares, which even after 70 years remain thoroughly modern and continue to influence product design today. Kaj Franck's proficiency as an industrial designer, and his position as a devoted modernist, is also clear in many of his his art pieces, such as this vase.

The heavy piece has been turn-moulded, cased, and then cut into a tapered hexagonal form. The shape of the vase embodies Franck's modernist aesthetic whilst being highly considerate to the material, glass, by exploiting its refractive and reflective properties. Light is bounced around the base of the vase, creating a stunning visual effect of shadows and spectrums. The play of light is amplified by the impressive clarity of the glass itself. In high contrast to the base, the main body of the glass is a deep navy blue colour. 

The vase is illustrated in the 1958 Nuutajärvi Notsjö catalogue, and was by far the most expensive design by Kaj Franck at the time. This is possibly due to the laborious method of manufacture along with the volume of glass itself. For perspective, the vase cost more than three KF1500 'Kremlin Bell' double decanters.