31.3 Polygon Glassware Set #86

Omer Arbel

Quantity

In stock 1 — Estimated lead time: 2-4 Weeks

31.3 is a group of 41, 18, 8 or 4 individual glass elements designed to be arranged into compositions. The departure points for the project are twofold: a mathematical query into geometric tiling on the one hand, and the investigation of ancient colour formulas in Czech glassmaking on the other.

The treatment of colour for the glassware is the result of ancient formulas from the Czech glassmaking tradition, some of which date back to the 1600s. These jealously guarded formulas are in the custody of various glass masters in the Czech Republic, passed on and refined from generation to generation, often employing peculiar and arcane ingredients such as animal bones, plants and minerals gathered from the Czech countryside. This alchemical approach to colour stands in sharp contrast to the mass customization and optimization occurring in contemporary glass colour formulation elsewhere in the world, and consequently yields unique, mysterious, and unexpected tones rarely found in the contemporary colour lexicon.

OAO’s relationship with the various Czech masters is open ended, allowing the masters themselves to decide what colours to melt and how many pieces to make every month. Shipments of finished glass are received at our studio and parcelled into sets without any colour composition or selection on our part. As such, no two sets are alike. The diamonds in the pattern are cast as solid elements, with the polygons blown hollow and as delicate as possible. Once these discreet colourful elements are grouped together following the five-fold geometry, new colours and relationships emerge through reflection and transparence.

Each set is accompanied by a certificate confirming the original and distinctive set, along with the date of production.

Made in the Czech Republic in collaboration with Omer Arbel’s studio.

One of a kind glass composition set of 31 glasses and 10 diamond shapes.

Coloured Czech glassware. Assorted colour, shapes and sizes.

Brand