The Timeless Edit
Scandinavian Controlled Bubble Art Glass Bud Vase - Attributed to Per Lütken for Holmegaard
A Stunning Example of Mid-Century Scandinavian Glass Design
This elegant controlled bubble vase exemplifies the minimalist sophistication of 1950s Scandinavian design. Featuring a tall, slender clear stem that transitions seamlessly into a heavy, spherical emerald green base filled with controlled bubbles, this piece showcases the technical mastery and aesthetic refinement that defined the era. The design is strongly attributed to Per Lütken for Holmegaard, circa 1952, though definitive authentication would require further provenance research.
Design & Craftsmanship
The vase demonstrates the bullicante technique—a complex glassblowing method where air bubbles are deliberately trapped within layers of molten glass to create a mesmerising controlled pattern. The seamless transition from the clear, narrow flute to the heavy, round green base is highly characteristic of Per Lütken's design language for Holmegaard. The polished pontil mark on the base is exactly what you'd expect from an authentic Scandinavian vintage piece of this calibre.
Designed to hold a single orchid stem or delicate flower, the vase's proportions are perfectly balanced—the substantial weight of the bubble base anchors the slender stem, creating both visual drama and practical stability.
Historical Significance
Scandinavian controlled bubble vases gained significant popularity between the 1950s and 1970s because they perfectly embodied the era's shift toward minimalism, modernist aesthetics, and technical innovation in art glass. Per Lütken (1916-1998) was Holmegaard's chief designer from 1942 to 1998 and is considered one of Denmark's most important glass artists. His work is held in museum collections worldwide and remains highly collectible.
Even if this piece cannot be definitively attributed to Holmegaard, the quality of execution, design sophistication, and technical mastery suggest it was produced by one of the major Scandinavian glass houses during the golden age of Nordic design.
Condition
Good vintage condition for a piece over 70 years old. Water mark on the stem consistent with use and age—testament to decades of being cherished and displayed. The controlled bubbles remain crisp and clear, the glass retains its brilliance, and the emerald green colour is vibrant. No chips, cracks, or restoration. The polished pontil shows minimal bottom wear, consistent with age and use. Minor indentation on one corner of the pontil. See images.
Dimensions & Details
- Height: 20.5cm
- Opening diameter: 2.5cm
- Base diameter: 2.5cm
- Era: Circa 1952, Mid-Century Modern
- Attribution: Possibly Per Lütken for Holmegaard, Denmark
- Technique: Bullicante (controlled bubble)
- Colour: Clear stem with emerald green bubble base
- Construction: Hand-blown art glass with polished pontil
- Function: Single-stem bud vase (orchid vase)
Care Instructions
Hand wash only using mild detergent and lukewarm water. Never use a dishwasher, as temperature fluctuations can cause stress fractures in vintage art glass. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface. Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. When displaying with water, change regularly to prevent mineral deposits. Store in a stable location away from edges where it could be knocked over.
Display & Collecting
This vase makes a spectacular statement piece whether displayed with a single dramatic stem or showcased on its own as a sculptural object. The controlled bubbles create ever-changing patterns as light moves through the glass throughout the day. Perfect for collectors of Scandinavian design, Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the intersection of technical mastery and minimalist beauty.
A rare opportunity to own an exceptional example of 1950s Scandinavian art glass—whether definitively Holmegaard or from another prestigious Nordic glass house, this is museum-quality craftsmanship.
Age of an Item
Antique: An item that is at least 100 years old.
Vintage: An item that is at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old and is representative of its era.
Retro: A newer item designed in the style of a past era. It is not from that era but is a modern homage to it.
Condition of an Item
Mint: As new, with no signs of wear.
Excellent Vintage Condition (EVC): Shows minimal signs of wear through use but is not perfect.
Very Good Vintage Condition (VGVC): Shows some signs of age and use but is still in good overall shape.
Good Vintage Condition (GVC): Shows clear signs of wear, use, and age.
Perfectly Imperfect: This is not an official term. We've adopted it for the purposes of The Timeless Edit because we believe damaged items still have value. Our definition of Perfectly Imperfect is if an item has visible damage but remains beautiful as a decorative piece or suitable for use in a different capacity from that for which it was originally designed.
Common Flaws found in Antique and Vintage Items
Crazing: Crazing is the existence of web of fine cracks that only occurs in the glaze layer of Fine Bone China and porcelain. It is a normal occurrence, particularly in older items.
- Clean Crazing: The cracks are clear, without any staining from food, moisture, or other contaminants. Clean crazing can be used as an intentional decorative design element.
- Stained Crazing: This occurs when food particles, bacteria, or other contaminants get into the cracks over time, causing them to darken and become visually conspicuous. Items with stained crazing are not recommended for use with food but are still great for use as a decorative piece or other practical function.
Flea Bite: A flea bite is a tiny, pin-sized chip or nick in the surface of an item. It is a common form of imperfection in older items, especially glass.
Bottom Wear: This is common in older items, especially glass, and is often an indication of age. Wear to the base of an item is caused by everyday use over time and includes scratches, scuffs, shallow chips, flakes, and flea bites.
Chip: chips are considered either shallow or deep. A shallow chip is typically inconspicuous. A deep chip is large enough to be immediately apparent.
Flake: a small and shallow chip which breaks the surface of an item.
Scratch: a mark which compromises the surface of an item, and which feels raised, rough or sharp to the touch. Not to be confused with Straw Marks and marks which can occur during the manufacturing process.
Hairline Crack. This is a narrow and tight break going through glaze and porcelain body and is visible from both sides of the item. It is not always immediately obvious and can be missed on first inspection. Generally, a hairline crack does not affect the integrity of the item.
Water Mark/Stain: patches, ridges, deposits and clouding on glass caused by water left standing in the vessel for a lengthy period. Such stains can’t be removed.
Air Bubbles: Air bubbles in hand-blown glass are a natural result of the traditional glassmaking process, where air becomes trapped in the molten glass during its creation. They are often seen as a sign of authenticity, indicating the item is handmade and unique, rather than a defect. While a small number of bubbles is generally acceptable, a high concentration of bubbles may indicate fragility. There are exceptions though. In some cases, air bubbles are an intentional decorative feature where artists have used specific Molds or techniques to control their appearance. Also, air bubbles are found in Depression Glass due to its mass production method, where the glass was quickly moulded with little concern for perfection. These bubbles are a common characteristic that signifies authentic pieces.
Maker’s Miss: This is an unintentional inclusion or air bubble in the item caused or overlooked by the glass blower or maker in the manufacturing process.
Firing Flaw: This is original flaw cased during the firing process. Examples include pinholes or blisters in the glaze, grit stuck to the glaze, stains caused by an impurity in the porcelain and shrinkage cracks that have opened during the drying or firing process. This is not considered damage.
Straw marks: These are marks on the external surface of glass that look like fine lines or even scratches. They occur when molten glass is cut with shears, and the resulting mark doesn't fully smooth out before the glass cools and sets. They are not considered damage but are instead a common characteristic of old, handmade, or machine-pressed glass. Unlike a scratch, straw marks feel smooth to the touch. Straw Marks are commonly found in Depression and Carnival Glass.
