Rhapsody Glass Bowl by František Zemek, Mstišov Glassworks, Czechoslovakia, 1960s

Description

Rhapsody glass bowl designed by František Zemek, Mstišov Glassworks, Czechoslovakia, 1960s

An organic decorative bowl made of Czechoslovak art glass, a flagship example of the so-called Brussels style from the late 1950s and early 1960s. The piece was made from thick, heavy glass, hand-formed using traditional hot-glass techniques.

The vessel is distinguished by its bionic, asymmetrical form with rounded, smoothly modelled edges. The body is made of transparent glass with a subtle greenish tint, into which four multicoloured, contrasting patches have been embedded in shades of intense cobalt blue, vivid green, honey amber, and warm pinkish brown.

This distinctive interplay of colour accents, combined with the thick-walled glass, enhances the refraction of light, giving the object an exceptionally dynamic, sculptural character. The “Rhapsody” collection by František Zemek (1913–1960) is one of the most recognisable and sought-after series in the history of post-war Czech glass.

The piece is in very good vintage condition, with natural micro-scratches on the underside caused by being moved.