Nautilus Art Glass Vase and Candlesticks by Willy Johansson, Norway, 1960s, Set of 3

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This is a striking three-piece Scandinavian modern art glass set comprising a textured disk vase and a matching pair of … Read more This is a striking three-piece Scandinavian modern art glass set comprising a textured disk vase and a matching pair of low candleholders from the "Nautilus" series, designed by Willy Johansson for Hadeland Glassverk, Norway. Design & Aesthetic The series takes its name from the nautilus shell (Nautilidae) and ancient spiral ammonite fossils, celebrated in design for their natural logarithmic spirals and ribbed chambers. Willy Johansson translated these organic marine contours into sculptural Scandinavian glass, capturing both marine geometry and raw Nordic nature. Each piece is cast in heavy, clear crystal defined by an exquisite tactile contrast: the dramatic, ruffled front and back faces—molded with deep radial fluting that evokes both a ribbed sea shell and the rippled texture of melting glacial ice—stand in sharp counterpoint to the flat, smooth, and high-polished outer edges. This juxtaposition between rugged, ice-like relief and pristine glossy borders intensifies the way the crystal catches, refracts, and scatters ambient light. The upright disk-shaped vase features a scalloped outer silhouette and stable flat base, perfectly paired with the two low candleholders designed to cradle standard taper candles. See less