Ceramics & Glass
Art Deco Crystal Vase with Ruby Red and Amber by Karl Palda
Art Deco Crystal Vase with Ruby Red and Amber by Karl Palda
This striking Art Deco vase, attributed to Karl Palda, is a superb example of Czechoslovakian glass design from the 1930s. Crafted in deep amber and burgundy red etched and enameled glass, the piece showcases a bold angular motif that reflects the modern spirit of the Art Deco era. The thick-walled glass and sharp geometric patterning make it a commanding decorative object, described as “jewelry for the home.”
The Palda glassworks, founded in 1888 in Haida (Novy Bor, Bohemia), reached its artistic peak between 1928 and 1938 when vivid, geometric designs replaced the more traditional floral patterns of earlier decades.
This period produced some of the most inventive and colorful glass of the time, with pieces like this vase epitomizing the blend of artistry and craftsmanship that made Palda glass so admired. A 1938 catalog page of similar works is preserved in the Corning Museum of Glass, underscoring the historical importance of these designs.
A page from the original Palda catalogue
image courtesy of Driving for Deco
