Rudolf Jurnikl "Ice Cube" Art Glass Candle Holder | Sklo Union, Czechoslovakia, 1960s

A striking example of Czech Mid-Century Modern pressed art glass — the iconic "Ice Cube" candle holder by Rudolf Jurnikl for Sklo Union. Heavy, geometric, and endlessly optical, this reversible block magnifies and scatters candlelight through its dramatic concave circular indentations, creating a mesmerizing space-age glow.

About the Artist

Rudolf Jurnikl (1928–1982) was a leading Czech glass designer whose work for Sklo Union's Rudolfova Huť glassworks became synonymous with the bold, sculptural aesthetic of 1960s Czechoslovak design. His pressed-glass forms — characterized by geometric optics, heavy mass, and light-refracting surfaces — are now widely collected internationally and featured in museum collections across Europe and North America. Jurnikl's designs represent the pinnacle of the postwar Czech glass movement, blending industrial production with fine art sensibility.

Details

• Designer: Rudolf Jurnikl
• Manufacturer: Sklo Union — Rudolfova Huť Glassworks
• Origin: Czechoslovakia
• Period: 1960s
• Style: Mid-Century Modern / Space Age
• Material: Heavy pressed art glass
• Form: Reversible candle holder — taper candle one side, votive/tealight the other
• Height: 3.5 inches
• Width: 3.5 inches
• Depth: 3.5 inches
• Weight: Approx. 2 lbs (solid glass)

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. High optical clarity throughout. Free of chips, cracks, or deep scratches. Candle wells are clean and undamaged. Normal age-appropriate handling consistent with a well-preserved estate piece. Please review all photographs carefully — they are considered part of the description.

Comparable Market Value

Rudolf Jurnikl pressed glass pieces are actively traded on the secondary market. Comparable examples of this "Ice Cube" / optic candle holder form have sold as follows:

• Auction Houses (1stDibs, Rago, Wright, Bukowskis): $45–$120 USD depending on color, clarity, and provenance documentation
• Secondary Markets (eBay, Etsy, Chairish, Ruby Lane): $35–$95 USD for clear/colorless examples in excellent condition
• Dealer / Gallery Retail: $75–$150 USD at specialty MCM and Czech glass dealers

This example is offered at the lower end of the secondary market range, representing strong value for a verified Jurnikl / Sklo Union piece in excellent condition.