Nanny Still 'Fenomena' Vase

Towards the late 1960's Nanny Still momentarily lost interest in clean geometric forms, and began to experiment with rugged shapes & new moulding techniques. It was during this period that the otherworldly 'Fantasma' series was born; a collection of large, warped & distorted modernist vases, each with a distinctive nailhead textured surface. 

This 'Fenomena' (Phenomenon) vase was designed in 1967 and belongs to Still's 'Fantasma' collection. The piece was produced at Riihimäki glassworks and, like each member of the series, dramatically contorts and challenges the conventional silhouettes of domestic glassware. The textured surface of the vase, achieved by lining the wooden mould with nails, lends not only tactility to the piece but also creates a stunning visual effect, particularly when the vase is placed in sunlight.