Mathildenhütte - Plate - Crystal - H.J. Richartz studio glass

Hans Jürgen Richartz hand-blown “Freeform” studio glass art bowl.

A beautiful, substantial designer art bowl designed by German glass master Hans Jürgen Richartz for the renowned Mathildenhütte glassworks in Solingen, Germany.
This piece dates from the heyday of West German studio glass in the 1970s.

The bowl is hand-blown from thick, high-quality clear crystal glass. The decoration consists of flowing, organic bands of fused white opaline glass and a contrasting dark (anthracite/gray and green) glass band. The asymmetrical “Freeform” rim is characteristic of the biomorphic modernism of the Mid-Century design period. As this studio glass piece is entirely handmade, it is a unique, one-of-a-kind collectible.

The piece is hand-signed on the underside with the distinctive inscription: ‘Richartz art collection’.

The bowl is in good, attractive vintage condition, with no cracks, splits, or chips along the edges. The organic edges are completely smooth and chip-free. There are light scuff marks in one area of the surface (near the rim) that feel somewhat rough. These are minor, superficial signs of age and use, inherent to the age and handmade production process of this authentic work of art. Please see the detail photos for a closer look and to form your own impression.