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Conch Shell Glass Vase Iridescent Handmade Loetz Austria Jugendstil circa 1902

About the Item

Conch Shell Glass Vase Handmade by Johann Loetz Witwe Austria/Bohemia Jugendstil circa 1902 "Diaspora" Decoration The naturalistically depicted shell and snail vases, executed at the highest level of craftsmanship, were already among the most popular and successful glass objects produced by the manufacture Johann Loetz Witwe by the end of the 19th century. This well-documented series of zoomorphic themes within the glass production can be traced back to as early as 1897. Since these modeled conch shell vases – or snail shells as they were also called – were high-end fashion items, the glassworks gave free rein to their creativity. Thus, there are not only different shapes and sizes, but also specimens with plastic coral branches and later with leaf overlays. Depending on the production series, these popular vases were also made in different colors and decorations. They all have in common that they form a bridge between expiring trends of the 19th century and innovative impulses of the upcoming 20th century within the development of Jugendstil glass. This fantastically preserved example of a conch shell vase with plastic leaf overlays made of colorless glass is part of the production series of the glassworks Loetz created around 1902. The 11? tall vase with a “Diaspora” decoration will make many a collector’s heart beat faster. The obvious quality of the decoration as well as the execution of the shape are almost in aesthetic competition with each other. The “Candia”-yellow ground of the glass, which makes the vase shine in a golden glow, the changing of colors in contrasting blue and silver tones, the sweepingly applied leaves, reminiscent of dancing sea grass – all these impressions embody the pure aesthetic pleasure of Jugendstil glass. Bib.: E. Ploil, H. Ricke e.a. (ed.), „Loetz – Böhmisches Glas 1880-1940“, vol. II, Musterschnitte, Prestel, Munich 1989, paper pattern 7024 s, p. 23.

Creator:

Loetz Glass (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Diameter: 5.52 in (14 cm)

Style:

Jugendstil (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Art Glass,Blown Glass

Place of Origin:

Austria

Period:

1900-1909

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1902

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Klosterneuburg, AT

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU5830230389802

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Loetz Glass

Best known to collectors for their magnificent Marmoriertes and Phänomen glass creations, the Loetz Glass company was a leading Art Nouveau producer of fine glass vases, bowls and other decorative objects through the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

Shortly before his death in 1855, attorney Frank Gerstner transferred sole ownership of his glassworks company to his wife Susanne. The company, which was founded in what is now the Czech Republic in 1836 by Johann Eisner, was renamed Johann Loetz Witwe by Susanne Gerstner as a tribute to her late husband who preceded Gerstner, a glassmaker named Johann Loetz (Loetz was also known as Johann Lötz).

For 20 years, Gerstner led the company, expanding its manufacturing and distribution capacity. It proved profitable, but the glassworks' popularity didn't start gaining significant momentum until after Gerstner transferred sole ownership to her grandson Maximilian von Spaun in 1879.

Von Spaun and designer Eduard Prochaska developed innovative techniques and solutions for reproducing historical styles of decorative glass objects, such as the very popular marbled Marmoriertes glass — a technique that lends glass an appearance that is similar to semi-precious stones such as onyx or malachite. Under von Spaun’s leadership, the firm’s works garnered them success in Brussels, Vienna and Munich, and Johann Loetz Witwe won awards at the Paris World Exposition in 1889. In 1897 von Spaun first saw Favrile glass in Bohemia and Vienna.

The work in Favrile glass, a type of iridescent art glass that had recently been developed and patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany, founder of iconic American multimedia decorative-arts manufactory Tiffany Studios, inspired von Spaun to explore the era’s burgeoning Art Nouveau style — or, as the firm was established in a German-speaking region, the Jugendstil style.

The company partnered with designers Hans Bolek, Franz Hofstötter and Marie Kirschner and thrived until von Spaun passed it down to his son, Maximilian Robert.

With the Art Deco style taking shape around the world, the company was unable or unwilling to adapt to change. Loetz Glass collaborated with influential names in architecture and design, including the likes of Josef Hoffmann, a central figure in the evolution of modern design and a founder of the Vienna Secession. Unfortunately, the glassworks’ partnerships did them little good, and the company’s mounting financial problems proved difficult to navigate. Two World Wars and several major fires at the glassworks took their toll on the firm, and in 1947 the Loetz Glass Company closed its doors for good.

Today the exquisite glass produced by Loetz Glass Company remains prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

On 1stDibs, find antique Loetz Glass Company glassware, decorative objects and lighting.