There’s something quietly mesmerizing about a Paul Harrie vase.
At first glance, it’s the color that draws you in—cool rivers of blue and green, soft swirls of amber or frost. But the magic lies in the movement. These handblown glass pieces, part of Harrie’s celebrated River Series, shift subtly as the light changes. Look once, and you see one thing. Turn it slightly, and another color emerges, like a hidden current beneath the surface.
Born in the wide-open landscapes of North Dakota, Harrie carried with him the memory of winter light—crisp, bright, and unrelenting. It’s no wonder his work feels geologic, even elemental. The way layers of color are suspended in clear, heavy glass evokes the inner beauty of a geode cracked open or the frozen depth of a mountain stream.
After relocating to Southern California in the 1980s, Harrie not only developed his own practice but also passed his knowledge along, teaching at both Cal State Long Beach and Northridge. His pieces, signed and distinct, blend precision with an organic sense of flow. They’re not fussy. They don’t shout. They simply hold space—quietly radiant, deeply crafted.
The River Series vases are small in scale but substantial in presence. Each one is a meditation on movement and stillness, color and clarity. They’re the kind of objects that don’t just sit on a shelf—they invite you to stop, look again, and notice something new.
At Den, we celebrate artists like Paul Harrie because they remind us that beauty is often found in the details—in a curve of glass, in a glint of light, in a color that wasn’t there a moment ago.
Whether you’re a collector or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful design, a Harrie vase is a timeless addition to any space.