Karl Palda, Czechoslovakia, c. 1939.

KARL PALDA Czechoslovakia, c.1939.
Vase "Diana hunter".
Carved and enameled glass.
Measurements: 22,5 x 11,5 cm.
This Art Deco black glass vase, known as "Diana the Huntress", was designed by Karl Palda in the 1930s. The piece stands out for its refined execution and the incorporation of engraved figurative motifs, where the silhouette of Diana, a mythological figure associated with hunting, is elegantly integrated into the dark surface of the glass.
Characteristic of the Art Deco style, the vase combines geometry, contrast and material sophistication. The deep, polished black glass acts as an ideal background to highlight the decorative details, creating a visual interplay between light and shadow that brings dynamism to the piece.
This type of work reflects the excellence of interwar Central European design, in which functionality and ornamentation coexist in balance. Today, Karl Palda's designs are highly valued by collectors, this model being an iconic example of the elegance and modernity of Art Deco.
The Karl Palda firm was founded in 1888 in Novy Bor (northern Czech Republic). In addition to the Novy Bor glassworks, they also had two other workshops, one in Arnultovice and another in Chotovice. The company produced tableware and decorative glass decorated by its cuts, engravings and paintings. The firm is known for its art deco style vases with geometric decorations. Red, black and yellow were the most commonly used colors.