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Early Michael Harris Glass Axehead Vase by Mdina, Malta, 1970

$960.86
£700
€826.52
CA$1,329.89
A$1,480.94
CHF 773.23
MX$17,944.35
NOK 9,751.29
SEK 9,201.11
DKK 6,169.91

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:
    Michael Harris (Maker),Mdina (Workshop/Studio)
  • 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

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