Posted 9 years ago
Wow22
(2 items)
My first post. An enthusiastic novice. I have been researching this cameo glass vase and would appreciate any input. There seems to be a huge quantity of material on much of the Loetz output, but only minimal information on their cameo pieces. I have read that sometimes their later cameo pieces are regarded as inferior, but cannot believe this to be true of this intricate and commanding piece.
Vase stands 30cm tall (nearly 12 inches). It is comprised of 3 layers: thin inner layer of orange, then thick layer of clear, then brown. I purchased this wonderful vase from the US, having recognised the decor from a previous post on CW, and the inclusion of the same vase in the cameo section of loetz.com. I recognised the decor, but my vase is unsigned, which seems curious to me. I have been able to discover that there are vases in the same decor held in the Vienna MAK and in the Passau. Specifically, Cabinet 91 at the Passau Museum displays a cylindrical vase in identical decor and colour. The raised cameo work is glossy and smooth above the wonderful orange-peel texture.
Remants of an original label remain on the base of the vase. The base is ground completely flat and polished, all the way through the brown layer, so there is no pontil evident. Is this unusual?
I would love to hear comments on this vase and any opinions on its age (sticker would suggest post-1918) and reason for lack of signature. Is the design Jugendstil or Secessionist? If anyone has a similar vase, please post. The shape appears in Truitt Vol II, p. 26.
I'm rarely a fan of orange and brown, but somehow this works for me.
Thanks.
I don't own any other Loetz.
Link to the vase which started my journey:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/142996-loetz-cameo-glass
Thanks Alfredo. I have read those posts with interest. But I still have many questions about the cameo output! Yes indeed, why would it not be signed? Nevertheless, I'm glad it wasn't or I would not own it. In the post I provided the link to in Comment 3, there was some discussion about designers. Does anybody know who designed this decor? Is there a pattern number for the shape? I have much to learn.
Great piece- nice large size, and I love that it has a glossy, fire-polished surface and a textured background. I'll try to give you my take on the questions you have asked:
The reason the vase is unsigned could simply be customer instruction. Most cameo pieces were "turnover pieces made to order" and the customers would often giver special instructions to hide the fact that the vases came from Klostermühle. (see Cantz, Loetz 1880-1940) To this end, the factory had several signatures that they used, depending on customer; some are signed Richard, some Veles or Velez, and there were others. Some only received a paper label, and some may not have been signed at all. I know that paper "Richard, Paris" labels exist. The paper label with Czechoslovakia at the bottom is no doubt an export label; there are no known Loetz paper labels that include the word Czechoslovakia.
The date for vases like this in "Gallé-style" would be early to mid 1920s.
You have found the shape in Passau and on Loetz.com, which is probably about the best you can hope for. Many of the Series III shapes (shapes after 1914) are not published; many have been lost or destroyed and may never see the light of day again. But there is no doubting the authenticity of your vase. As for designers - as previously mentioned, these were made to order for customers abroad, and so they are not artistically adventurous. The director of the glassworks during these years (after the death of Prochaska) was Fritz von Spaun. The pattern on this vase was probably given a number, but most of these are again, unpublished and may be lost.
I don't think that the polished base is unusual - given the fact that this vase is large and top-heavy, it may have been the most stable way to finish the base.
You are obviously already aware of some good resources for research (websites, etc.) If you are interested in researching Loetz glass further, please check Loetz.com frequently, and try to find a copy of Loetz Bohemian Glass 1880-1940. It is no longer in print, but can be found occasionally on the secondary market. Truitt is indispensable for an overview of Bohemian glass, but its section on Loetz is rather small.
Welcome ...Nice piece !!!
Thank you so much Bohemianglassandmore for your very helpful and generous observations. You have provided me with very feasible explanations for the lack of signature and polished base. These insights are gratefully received as they are beyond my current level of understanding. I have acquired Truitt already, but will be on the lookout for your other recommended resource. I follow CW posts on bohemian glass avidly and know the whole area is fraught with complications and disagreements. However, I always find that you are expert, nonpartisan and willing in your contributions. I am thrilled you took the time to assist me and I am so happy to be the caretaker of this vase! Many thanks!!
Great vase, I have additional pics if you ever need them. I also appreciate the different cameo types that were made by Loetz, These "fire polished" pieces are very nice!
For further informations, I would highly recomend reading the article http://www.loetz.com/featured-articles/loetz cameo... by Warren Galle
Thanks kairomalte. I have read the article many times now and it is STILL interesting. The better Loetz cameo ouput really attracts me. I appreciate your input.
Beautiful colors :)
fantastic so close heart cameo work just shear brilliance
certainly has the wow factor !!!!!!!!
thank you for sharing wow22