Loetz "Laurus" vase, crystal optic DEK 499, PN II-1449, ca. 1904

This decor is documented in Das Böhmisches Glas 1700-1950, Band IV - Jugendstil in Böhmen (plate IV.98).

The article defines the decor "Laurus" as Kristall optisch (crystal optic) Dek. 499. This vase is so marked on the bottom in enamel "499".

Colorless glass, optically mold-blown. Fire polished rim, finely ground and polished pontil. The decor begins with intaglio carved round "berries" painted in red transparent enamel and green transparent enameled tendrils and small leaves. The name Laurus undoubtedly refers to the genus (Laurus) of evergreen trees belonging to the Laurel family, Lauraceae.

According to Das Böhmisches Glas, this vase and decor give an insight into the activities of the Loetz painting workshop, which at the time was looking for new designs. The "Musterschnitte" catalogue of paper cutout patterns contain references to this and other painted DEKs (decors) in this number range. The paper pattern scan in the last photo is taken from Loetz/Series II, Paper Patterns for Glass from 1900 to 1914, (Muzeum Sumavy, Susice, 2011 - Lnenickova). DEK 499 is only referenced in conjunction with a few shapes in the 1904 time frame.

For further examples and reading, see the DEK 499 page on Loetz.com here:

http://loetz.com/decors-a-z/dek/dekor-dek/dek-499