Mdina - Michael Harris - Vase - signed + original sticker - Glass, Crystal

Mdina Glass – Michael Harris - Blue Summer Art Glass Vase – Malta, 1970s–1980s

A beautiful and captivating hand-blown art glass vase by the renowned Maltese manufactory Mdina Glass, featuring a spectacular combination of deep ocean blue, turquoise, sea green and golden-yellow tones.

The vase has an elegant, rounded silhouette with a short neck and gently flared rim. Its extraordinary decoration evokes an underwater landscape — a sunlit coral reef, with delicate marine formations, swirling currents and shimmering reflections beneath the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.

The richly textured, almost enamel-like patterns create remarkable depth and movement, giving the glass an almost painterly quality. Each change of light reveals new shades and fascinating details.

The design is attributed to Michael Harris (1933–1994), the celebrated British glass artist and co-founder of Mdina Glass, whose innovative approach established the distinctive Mediterranean aesthetic of the manufactory.

The vase retains its original Mdina Glass paper label and an engraved signature on the underside, supporting its authenticity.

A striking decorative piece that remains exceptionally relevant to contemporary interiors. Its organic silhouette and vibrant marine colours make it a wonderful accent for minimalist, mid-century modern or eclectic spaces.

History of Mdina Glass

Founded in Malta in 1968 by British designers Michael Harris and Eric Dobson, Mdina Glass became one of the most distinctive names in European studio glass. Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, the manufactory developed its signature style through experimental glassblowing techniques, combining vivid colours, organic shapes and fascinating internal patterns.

Michael Harris (1933–1994) was a pioneering figure in the British studio glass movement. Educated at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, where he later taught, Harris played an important role in developing studio glass as an independent artistic discipline. After establishing Mdina Glass, he founded Isle of Wight Studio Glass in 1973, which achieved international recognition for its innovative techniques and celebrated collections, including the iconic Azurene range. His artistic legacy remains highly influential in contemporary glassmaking.

Although Harris left Malta in 1972, his artistic influence continued to shape Mdina’s production throughout the following decades. The manufactory became internationally recognised for its expressive designs, particularly the celebrated Sea and Sand and Blue Summer styles, which capture the colours and atmosphere of the Mediterranean.

Today, vintage Mdina Glass pieces are appreciated by collectors and design enthusiasts for their craftsmanship, distinctive character and timeless decorative appeal.