The 1957 Youth Festival in Kiev, exquisite hand blown art glass vase, layered glass with gold leaf trim and artwork showing both the festival badge and happy Ukrainian youths.

8" tall, mouth has a diameter of 3 1/8", base measures 2 ¼". Clear glass body had a second layer of white glass applied to the inside, giving the vase a slightly iridescent look. Gold leaf at the bottom disguises the fact that the base is a separately blown and applied piece of clear glass?Two young Ukrainians in traditional costume stand in front of their republic emblem as they release a somewhat stylized dove - the ubiquitous symbol of many socialist festivals during the Cold War.

Very good to excellent condition. Wear to gold leaf around rim, two small chips to lip; the chip on the side is not located directly above either artwork and so is not immediately noticeable. While a restorer could fix it, an amateur could probably disguise it satisfactorily with a well placed dot of water-based paint.

Probably as a part of the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution celebrations, Youth Festivals were held both in Kiev and Moscow and elsewhere in the Soviet Union. They appealed to young people on many levels and emphasized both athleticism as well as cultural achievements. The complexity of this vase indicates that it was probably used for a special presentation, either to a victorious festival participant or perhaps to a member of the organizing committee.


$225.00