Posted 13 years ago
austrohung…
(584 items)
This is what we thought it was a "Lötz treasure" but thanks to some helping people at CollectorsWeekly, and a very interesting and even enjoying debate at CW (please read the comments), has happened to be a Thomas Webb and Sons vase, probably made 20 years before any Lötz vase made in this decoration. It is an amazing 21 cm tall vase with side handles and spirals applied under them... It really is a weird and beautiful design!
We've got two more Phänomen 377 (http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/55606-ltz-phnomen-genre-377-ca-1900-i?in=user and http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/51244-ltz-phnomen-genre-377-in-cobalt-blu?in=user) and we were pretty sure this one was a Lötz too, as the iridiscence on it is something truly impressive: all those shades of orange, purple, blue, green... I am actually working on detail pictures of this vase that I will share with you later.
Since this piece was first shared on CW we've been looking for pictures and texts so we can find out who the designer was, being our first guess Marie Kirschner, but after SteveS pointed out the possibilty it would be a vase by Webb & Sons and Londonloetzlearner sent us and interesting link about it, we've been studying about it until we finally got the wonderful help from Famatta, confirming the Webb theory.
We want to thank to everyone who's helped in identifying this piece, and to all those who've shown their love for this amazing vase.
Magnificent!
W-O-W!
Phenomenal Phänomen!
An observable occurrence?
Never seen one like it!
WOW...that is beautiful and weird at the same time!
Thanks miKKo, Vet and Mac!!! Also to Scandi and LLLearner for your Loves!!!
Yes, it is weird... so dark and still so full of colour! :) And also the shape
Thanks BELLIN68, Greatsnowyowl, czechman, LoetzBuddies for yout Love
I'd be more inclined to think Moser or Prochaska than Kirchner. Wonderful piece!
Thanks Cogito! What makes you think of them? We'll research about it :)
Hi AH
I could be wrong (often am) but think the designer is Webb ... having made the exact same mistake in the past ... the green makes it more likely ... Lovely piece !
@cogito: Well, Prochaska was the artistic director of Lötz at the time, wasn't him. I guess most of the items with "unknown design" were his work... so that could be a solution. Let's go on investigating about Moser.
@SteveS: Well, it sometimes is difficult to say which is Webb and Löetz when looking at items made using this technique (immersing the piece in cold water to achieve the thermal shock crackle, then reheating the piece to soften it), but according to the finishing (the crackle here is amazingly fine, whereas it isn't in Webb, as they kept on blowing the glass after softening it) and iridescence we don't think his piece is a Webb... Plus we've seen precedents of the use of these handles in Lötz items (http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/24648-loetz-art-glass) and also the use of both soft surfaced additions and identical colour, made by Marie Kirschner -hence our guessing this could be one of her designs-. I will tomorrow upload some pictures here so you can see them. But thanks for the suggestion. We'll also study that chance.
For something on the possible Webb connection have a look at http://www.thistlewoods.net/Webbs-iridised-bronze.html
By the way. I just read that the green used in Webb was very "transparent" and "deep bottle green" (http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php?topic=35988.0). That doesn't really fit with our vase.
Thanks LLL!
My pleasure! Even if it did turn out to be Webb, it would be in good company. As you probably know, Christopher Dresser did designs for their bronze and their iris iridescent ranges.
Austro, sorry I meant in my original post to say "Moser AND Proschaska" with the idea that Moser was the designer and Proschaska was the executor (as he often was for the most complex pieces). Kirschner doesn't seem to fit for me given the base glass type, as her pieces tend to be much more simple and relied almost exclusively on smooth surfaces and streamlined design (almost to the point of Art Deco). I don't really have any research support upon which to base my thoughts...only intuition and hunch. Warm regards.
Hi austro! I found this vase that is attributed to Kirschner and Loetz.
http://www.afforddecarts.com/phdi/p1.nsf/supppages/afford?opendocument&part=2
This is an interesting debate. Perhaps we will hear more from the Glasshounds.
It's the tenth vase down on that page!
This style of prunts is exclusive to Webb. The Webb examples are also much heavier than those made by Loetz. In the documented Loetz production designs, there is nothing remotely similar to any piece ever designed by Kirschner. The link provided above shows a valid Kirschner design. She is not know to apply prunts or decorations to her works with the tenacles. They are all pulled and cut from the body of the glass. The link I provide relates directly to this discussion.
http://www.thistlewoods.net/Webbs-iridised-bronze.html
...my apologies..I see the link was provided in a previous reply.
related to this discussion
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=thomas+webb+bronze+glass&view=detail&id=6C8727BEDEEDDB2E4AA1AC50AEFAADD97449E286&first=31&FORM=IDFRIR
in addition
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5715175
Dear Alfredo... Silbeiriris over creta? according to the book "LOETZ, bohemian glass 1880-1940" by Hatje Cantz, Phänomen 377 (Lava glass) can be made over cobalt, blue, pink, crete and in rare cases Russian green, orange an thea glass... that's far too many options to just dare and say "silbeiriris over creta". We haven't found any information about how to identify this kind of glass and finding out if its Webb or Loetz... maybe an expert like you should write about it and help other people on such a subject. We are actually working out on both choices: according to some information it can be Lötz, according to other, it can be Webb, even Christopher Dresser's... we don't care what it can end up beeing. The vase is impressive enough on itself, and even more if it's Webb and made 20 years before any Lötz. Carlos's collection was started in the 1970s and he just followed a premise: the objects should be beautiful, no wonder they are Lötz, Kralik or whatever brand may have done it (in fact, one of my favourite items in it is a Rindskopf Pepita vase). We first thought of Löetz because we have pictures of Löetz vases by Marie Kirschner as dark, and I'd add as crazy in design, as ours. When StevenS pointed out it could be Webb we starting studying Webb glass and at first we didn't think it would be it, but thanks to other's help (like Londonloetzlearner's) we're finding out more and more about it and chances are this piece may end up being a wonderful Webb item.
What's good about CollectorsWeekly, far from telling one another how wonderful pieces we've got or teasing people about an item to get better ressults when they're put out on auction on ebay, is that everybody can learn about glass (in this case) and we can create debates as interesting and funny as this one about the identity of certain glass pieces, just like has happened in this piece, so WE ALL can learn more about it. We appreciate your comment and I'm sure you already know we always recommend your website when we help anyone to identify Bohemian glass.
We are perfectly happy with this vase no matter it ends up being Lötz or Webb and will be happy to change it to Webb if t ends up being so, and I can tell you, we almost celebrating having get such an extraordinary Webb vase at such a good price.
I have to say we're hurt at your comment, at some point arrogant and humbleless. And we hope we can soon find out, with the help of everybody, what this vase can be.
Sincerely,
Alejandro and Carlos
Thanks so much for your link, Famatta!!! We're happy a prove have been at last given that our vase is a Thomas Webb vase. By the way, we cannot get more information about the vase as we're not registered at fieldings... can you tell us more about it?
We wish we could get as exciting discussions as this on CollectorsWeekly, and as many helping people as you!
Thanks to Famattas help I think we are ready to change the subject of this poist as this vase seems to have ended up being a Webb and Sons's work.
If you're inetrested on this vase, please read the new text.
We want to thank SteveS, Vetraio, Londonloetzlearner and Famatta for their huge help!
Im sorry but the link at Fielding appeares to be to old or no longer valid to open. I cannot get any further on their site myself. I was hoping to find some old photos of a trip to Europe from about 10 years ago. We traveled thru numerous antique stores and on two occasions found this type of glass labeled as Webb "lava"
offered for sale. I was amazed as I always thought anything that looked like this had to be Loetz. I took a few photos at the time that I think I deleted long ago. I feel as you do...you love a piece for what I means to you..not anyone else. Congrats on a great find.
Thanks Famatta. You're help is always appreciated!
All "experts" make mistakes... only we all thank them when they admit they made them. We're just amateurs.
You're welcome, its nice to have something to contribute!
The Fieldings link is old, this particular vase is no longer in their archive of sale results. For info, however, Fieldings are a respected auction house based in Stourbridge. They sell a lot of good glass, and their attributions are usually good (so far as I can tell) and they tend not to speculate, but to list without attribution if they have no evidence. The result is realistic, if not low estimates and prices achieved, rather than inflated values. Their glass expert also specialises in C20th decorative arts, and appears on UK Antiques Roadshow regularly.
Hi AH
After the build-up I was trying to break the news gently ... not sure that it worked out that way ...
Enthusiasm is a good thing ... even when it becomes contagious ...
I think the suggestion is that we aim to better document / substantiate opinions ... which is valid to maintain the great standard which has been set by the people contributing to this site ...
... mind you Quiz shows & "reality" TV usually out-rate documentaries ... and just participating is definitely a part of the fun ...
On the previous subject (Loetz) not sure if this is Creta or Russian Green ...
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/12614-signed-loetz-phen-genre-377?in=user
Cheers
... Or even May green ... when the references get updated ...
Thanks for your contributions
Have a good day !
Well, I'm not afraid to admit I was wrong. I knew it was a long shot based upon going on "hunch" alone. I will have to say (in my defense) that even for Webb, the applied decoration and handles are unusual to say the least! It's my understanding that most of the Webb appliqués tend to be animal heads of one sort or another.
Webb bronze, and bronze crackle, is found on page 320 of Hajdamach, British Glass 1800-1914. It is stated there that it is called bronze scarabeous in the Webb pattern books for December 1878.
I am about to post my Webb iris, for comparison.
wow that is a wonderful piece
@SteveS: Thanks SOOOOO much, Steve! your help has been huge here. I am glad we were wrong about this vase and you came with your (this time right) suggestion :)
@cogito: well, when we saw the first image of a bronze vase with the two heads of lions we first though "it is not the same thing than ours"... but after a little research it was clear as water. Famatta's picture was vital anyway.
@ Londonloetzlearner: thank you so, so, so much! I haven't been able to find this book online, BUT I did find one entitled "Paris herself again in 1878-9" by George Augustus Sala (1828-1895), on the subject of the Paris Universal Exposition of 1878... on page 377, after some paragraphs telling about how impressive Webb's display was and a list of individual items, it says: "and a perfectly unique vase in what, for want of a better definition, must be technically qualified as 'iridescent-polychromatic-crackle,' but which, I believe, from the pattern of its decoration, will be more tersely christened the ' Scarabseus' Vase ". haha, isn't it great!
and thanks trgrubaugh, and everybody else, for your Loves.
@Londonloertzlearnr: By the way, when you say "It is stated there that it is called bronze scarabeous in the Webb pattern books for December 1878." Do you mean Webb's bronze glass in general or there is a refference to the shape of our vase?
Hi AH. The scarabeous reference is to the crackle finish in general on bronze, as opposed to the smooth finish. Not to the specific pattern. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the Webb pattern books, and the book covers so much English glass that there is nothing else on this specific glass, and no more details from the pattern books. It looks like you may still have some research to do!
Broadfield House Glass Museum is the local Stourbridge glass museum. I haven't been yet, but apparently it has a huge collection. They say they are unable to offer a glass opinion service at present, but since you know what you have and just want more info, it might be worth contacting them. Their web presence is part of the Local Council's website, so just search for the museum.
Thanks so much, LLL!!! I've already contacted them, just in case.
Glad to help. Do let us know what you get back!
I will!!!! we couldn't have done without the help of you all, and yours has been very important!
Last news from Mr. Morley: "I think your vase is probably made by Thomas Webb and I see no reason why Dresser would not have designed it." but, as he very wisely points out, I think we should find out who else was designing for Webb at the time and then start discarding names...
This could go on for some time! Do please keep us informed.
Well, in Morley's last email, he says that he thinks there is no-one else connected with Webb & Sons who was "capable, knowledgeable and daring enough" to design these Webb bronze glass shapes than Christopher Dresser. He says that whilst it is easy to identify many of the craftsmen who worked for Webb and to imagine their 'Art Director' O'Fallon to be responsible for many of the designs in truth it doesn't make sense that they designed the very advanced shapes and decoration produced there: "If they were such good designers, why was the work they are proven to have designed, so uninspired and dull?" and, in fact, that's what Carlos and I were wondering after researching on Webb's glass LOL
So, although there is no way to prove it (I've got no news at all from neither the Stourbridge Museum nor the Dudley Archives), it looks like, almost for sure, this vase was dsigned by Christopher Dresser.
So thanks to both SteveS for pointing out this could be Webb and Londonloetzlearner to mention Dresser. And also to famatta for sending the image that proved this one could be a Webb! and everybody for your support and help and comments and loves.
By the way, just got an email from the museum in Stourbridge and they confirm it's a Webb
They add the vase is a "wonderful example of this period, beautiful to say the least!" ;) But I already knew that LOL
That's great news! So pleased I could contribute in a small way. If and when I finally get to the Stourbridge museum, I'll look out for anything relevant and let you have the information/pictures. Don't hold your breath though - it could take some time!
congrats on making the longest thread ever!
It's like an shimmering exo-skeleton, absolutely magnificent! Thanks for the introduction.
a shimmering exoskeleton, I mean
Well, Budek, at the Paris Exhibition in 1878 these vases were described as"scarabaeus vases" by G.A. Sala, and so they still reffer to them in Britain. In this link (http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/56224-detail-pictures-sof-thomas-webb-and-sons-b?in=user although you've probably have already seen it) you can read about that.
Hello Austro,
I hadn't seen that. It's a very exciting piece.
Thanks again for posting something so exotic.
Tony.
You're wellcome, Budek!
It was about time something English and 19th Century was considered exotic! LOL I love that! Seriously, it really is an unusual piece, even for Webb's standards...
I didn't know, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU!
I hope that the day will caress you with a beautiful breeze.
many happy returns,
Tony.
Thanks Obscurities for your comment. It's most appreciated as it releases me from the duty of answering myself... such a dull task! plus I wouldn't have been able to explain as clearly as you do.
I think what the world needs is more people willing to learn. When I was an art student I learnt Charles R. Mackintosh's motto: "There is hope in honest error, none in the icy perfections of the mere stylist". Who wants to be the mere stylist?
Great Mackintosh quote, Thanks for that.
Austro, I learned it was your birthday from one of your other posts, I think the one from Amber. When is your birthday? I had one last month, on the 4th. Maybe we're twins?
Best to you,
Tony.
Thanks Budek!
Well, in fact mine's May 3rd... does it make me the older twin? :)
Thanks for your loves, AQUA69 and manddmoir!
i guess we now know what dinosaur skin looked like!
Just found these images of the Treasure of Priam
http://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/some-of-the-artefacts-discovered-by-heinrich-schliemann-at-news-photo/3403064
Thnaks sooo much, vet!!! I didn't know this picture. It's funny to see how Dresser got his inspiration from these old pieces.
Welcome back! Did you get anything good over the "holiday" period?
you mean new glass??? Carlos has, in fact he's got a bunch of excellent pieces. I've just got a couple of small pieces for myself...
Look forward to seeing any of the recent acquisitions you'd be prepared to share!
Hi, austrohungaro! Do you have a moment to weigh in on the 'Webb bronze glass' mystery item in the following link? Thanks a lot!
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/64652-thomas-webb-and-sons?in=1268
I just found this reference to Clement Massier who did a lustre vase similar:
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portail:Art_nouveau/Sélection
Half way down on the right!
Thnaks for the link!!!
By the way, wait to see this Webb vase's "little brother"... I'll try to take its picture soon :)
Thanks PARIS!!! Even if it 20 years older than any Lötz vase with the similar PhNgr377 decor, this beauty has got its place amongst the nicest otz items in our collection.
It really is special!!!
OMG. what a beauty
So glad you like it Midnight!