Rudolfova no. 13261, designed by Jiří Zejmon in 1969, 22cm

Collecting Mid Century ceramics has been wonderful, but even the most dedicated collector needs to try something new now and then. Mark Hill, the wonderful author of the groundbreaking books Fat Lava and Alla Moda, also wrote a similar book about Czech glass entitled Hi Sklo, Lo Sklo (sklo is Czech for glass). I’ve had the book for years, but over the holidays delved into it (and Mark’s extensive section on world glass in Judith Miller’s tome, Miller’s Mid-Century Modern) so much I decided to buy some pieces to see what the fuss was about. Well, THAT may have been a small mistake, because I think I may have found a new addiction. When I opened the box containing this rather weighty Czech jewel, with its textured “bricks” and pale amethyst coloring, I was impressed that something 50+ years old could look so fresh and so interesting at the same time. The size and shape are eminently practical, perfect for any number of long-stemmed flowers or cuttings — in short, a vase which would perform a good service while looking natural in any modern space today. I was impressed (if you’ll pardon the pun) yet dismayed: If I found this much happiness in one piece of MCM glass, how much would I find in others? Oh no… I can already hear my bank account groaning.