Daum Vigne Vierge vase

Daum Vigne Vierge vase. A superb and elegantly shaped glass vase vitrified and decorated in cameo with a design of Virginia Creeper leaves and berries. The vitrification technique was mostly used between 1900 and 1914 and consists of rolling the hot glass on the marver in particles of metal oxide or powder made of colored ground glass, and re-firing.

The powder becomes fused and vitrified into the surface. The effect is further enhanced by polishing or cutting at the wheel. Patterns can then be acid-etched or wheel carved into the textured surface. This rare vase has been both acid etched and wheel carved. Signed Daum, Nancy and with the Cross of Lorrain into the body of the vase. A superb piece for any collection

History

The Daum Glassworks was established in Nancy, France in 1875 and is still making glass today albeit of a very different style. The family were originally Lawyers not glassmakers. Jean Daum the father of Antonin and Auguste originally took over the glassworks as part payment of a debt. Auguste (also a lawyer) joined his Father shortly afterwards and started to develop and expand the business.  

Auguste and Antonin and later Michel were the main family members involved in the major development of the Company. The Company employed major designers including Jacques Gruber, Amalric Walter, Henri Bergé, and in more recent times Philippe Stark and Salvador Dali.

They developed and patented many techniques in glassmaking and were always at the forefront of design and manufacturing. In 1900 at the Exposition Universelle they were awarded a Grand Prix medal and quickly became one of the major makers in the Art Nouveau movement. During the Art Deco period the factory produced characteristically distinguished glass.

Thick-walled vessels in vivid colours with moulded stylized designs were a specialty. Once again they were at the forefront of design innovation and employed the worlds leading designers. Styles changed again after the Second World War and the factory turned to heavy colorless lead crystal shaped into figures and vessels.

Their lead crystal glass was very high quality, and their art glass emphasized the flowing qualities of clear glass. Generally, they did not incorporate cutting, engraving, or any other form of surface decoration. This kind of glass was popular for some 25 years, until the 1970s.

In 1965 another generation of Daum’s took over, and in 1970 took the bold step of reintroducing pate-de-verre. They invited several famous sculptors, designers, and master glass artists, to design special limited editions for the company. Salvador Dali was the first, Cesar the second, and the series has been an outstanding success.

The company is still successful today, operating since 1962 as a public company under the name Cristallerie Daum.

Date circa 1910

Condition Excellent original condition.

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Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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