Posted 12 years ago
dasullywon
(62 items)
Hello friends. I just got this one, and I am very happy to finally have a pretty rare Loetz Orpheus 2-handled vase. Thanks to Kyle (ks85) I can check this one off my list. Okay it's not perfect (stress fracture inside one handle, which was in the description, along with disclosure of a tiny chip off one application, no worries) but I think it's still a very beautiful example of the decor. It stands 6-1/4" tall (15,9 cm) so it's a really nice cabinet size; which is good because I'm running out of space! It also glows in black-light so it was made with uranium glass - another bit of proof as to its' authenticity (as if there were any doubt). I will add a photo of the glow, if I can get a good one. Now I need a threaded Orpheus to complete the category, which I believe are even harder to find. The date is about 1900-1905, and I would put it more with Secessionist style than Jungestil (Art Nouveau) but that is just my impression. If it is trying to imitate something from nature I hesitate to guess exactly what that might be. I'm sure there are opinions about that. Anyone?
Enjoy!
Thanks again BELLIN68! :)
From the Series II book: 1904 Prod. Nr. II-1004
Thanks dlfd911 for the reference.
Orpheus appears to be a reference to poetry, musicians and charm ...
Direct descent from Olympia with embellishments reflecting ? Musical strings or the spiral of "mortal existence" ... The reflective elements of HUMAN life and the appreciation of the natural world ...
Not sure if that bridges the gap to art nouveau ... But is intersting to explore ...
Nice piece
Cheers
Thanks SteveS, I did know the link of Orpheus to music and poetry, and the "elements of human life" is an interesting additional aspect I was not aware of. How do you represent music and poetry is sculpture? Human elements are definitely easier. Then again your "spiral of mortal existence" and "musical strings" does fit the threaded variety of Loetz Orpheus, where the string of glass forms a descending spiral! Now I really want a threaded Orpheus for my collection. Thanks! :0)
Then again maybe it's an ascending spiral (the threading); depending on what sort of life you lead, or whether you're an optimist or pessimist. Not a bad concept to ponder on a Sunday morning.
When the glass is half full ... the other half is the air we breathe ...
Now that I'm afraid is an optimist!
Secessionist with a hint at the coming Art Deco movement. Wonderful piece.
Thanks Jeff (a little late) I agree this is transitional, and before its' time. I still am trying to get a good "glow" photo of the uranium glass. It glows quite nicely. Thanks again!