Galloping Horses Art Deco Vase

A quintessential expression of Art Deco design, this sculptural vase is a masterclass in "dynamic stasis." Designed by the renowned Karl (Karel) Zentner for the Libochovice glassworks, the piece features a continuous, high-relief frieze of galloping horses that wrap around the vessel in a perpetual state of motion.

The movement of the horses is beautifully captured against a satin frosted surface, a technique used by Czech glassmakers to rival the opulent "opalescent" glass of French masters like René Lalique. The mold-blown pressed glass possesses a substantial, heavy quality that elevates it from mere tableware to a functional sculpture. This "Galloping Horses" model (No. 1656) is a celebrated example of the animalier tradition, reflecting the interwar era’s fascination with speed, vitality, and streamlined natural forms.

Design & Provenance

• Designer: Karl Zentner (1891–1963), a prominent figure in Czech glass design known for his architectural and animal-centric motifs.

• Origin: Libochovice, Czechoslovakia; part of the prestigious Feigl & Morawetz glass group.

• Materiality: Heavy-grade satinized glass with a light-diffusing atmospheric glow.