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Early Michael Harris Glass Axehead Vase by Mdina, Malta, 1970
$757.10
£550
€643
CA$1,035.44
A$1,129.13
CHF 597.02
MX$13,582.35
NOK 7,576.27
SEK 6,943.58
DKK 4,802.84
About the Item
A rare example of early studio work by Michael Harris for Mdina Glass, this sculptural axehead vase was handmade on the island of Malta in the early 1970s. Harris, a pioneer of British studio glass, founded Mdina in 1968 with a vision to bring contemporary glassmaking to the Mediterranean—and this piece captures that ethos in full.
Formally bold yet expertly balanced, the vase is composed around a central angular vessel, cased in thick, clear glass and defined by curving wings that flare outward—a hallmark of Harris’s iconic axehead form. The inner body features a rich tortoiseshell-like coloration, with amber, espresso, and umber tones suspended in the glass, recalling the island’s sun-baked rock formations and volcanic terrain.
The surface, alive with optic folds and asymmetries, plays with light and shadow, heightening the vase’s presence as a piece of sculptural art glass. Whether viewed as a collector's object or a standalone statement piece, it illustrates the technical and aesthetic innovation of Mdina Glass during its foundational years.
Dimensions:
Height: 23 cm
Width: 22 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Condition:
Very good vintage condition. Minor signs of wear consistent with age and careful handling.
- Creator:Mdina (Workshop/Studio),Michael Harris (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 9.06 in (23 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 3.55 in (9 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970-1979
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good condition for age and use. No chips or damage.
- Seller Location:Glasgow, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6391246429152
About the Seller
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