Nanny Still Unknown Series Decanter

A rare decanter from an unknown series, designed by Nanny Still circa 1963 for Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Finland.

During the mid-1960's Nanny Still experimented with heavy cased glass, designing robust objects with a bold, weighted form. Designs from this period, like this decanter, all share a distinctive sturdiness & thickly cased foot. Objects from the 'Rex', 'Luxus' and 'Paraati' series are all siblings of this decanter. However, to date, the name of this series, which was seemingly produced in very small quantities, remains unknown.

We have contemplated that this design might have been a prototype for the three series mentions above. Although, we have seen three other examples of this design in collections in France, the Netherlands, and the USA. Further, the necks on other examples are also somewhat askew. This has led us to believe that this decanter is from a series that did enter production. However, due to production difficulties regards the neck staying straight during the annealing process we believe the series experienced a very short run, making existing examples rare.

The shape, colour, and both the visual & physical weight of the decanter gives it a distinct and striking visual presence. Cylindrical and stout, above square shoulders, it features a narrow neck which is also cylindrical and stout but with the addition of two pouring lips. Being hand worked, these flow organically but their symmetrical placement reinforces the items more brutalist aesthetic.

Echoing the confidence of the back-to-back lips are the large punt in the substantial heel of the decanter and the chunky stopper. Despite the considerable strength of all the aforementioned elements, together they create an elegant silhouette. The intense dark amethyst coloured glass accentuates the grandeur of the piece, creating a mesmerising interplay between light and shadow.