This impressive vase with Clematis flowers was crafted by Émile Gallé and dates from the period 1898–1900, meaning it was created under the personal supervision of Gallé himself. Objects from this era—before his death in 1904—are considered particularly valuable and rare within Gallé’s oeuvre, as they most directly reflect his artistic vision and technical innovations.
Clematis
The vase stands at a monumental height of 26.5 cm and features a generous body diameter of 20 cm, giving it a commanding presence. It is blown from colorless glass, which has been satin-finished on the interior to create a soft, diffused background. Over this base, a layer of purple glass has been applied and then carved using the cameo technique (acid-etching) into a rich floral decoration of clematis. Stems, leaves, and blossoms elegantly swirl across the entire surface, rendered with refined lines and naturalistic forms—a characteristic motif in Gallé’s work, in which flora served as poetic symbols of transience and beauy.
The entire surface of the vase has been fire-polished—known in French as verre parlant—a finishing technique that involves reheating the glass to achieve a smooth, lustrous surface. This extra step enhances the vibrancy of the colors and gives the glass a rich tactile finish and heightened light reflection.
A notable feature of this vase is the addition of two applied handles, into which small purple glass inclusions have been fused. These subtle details, visible only upon closer inspection, demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship of Gallé’s atelier.
Signature
The pontil bears a finely engraved signature reading “Gallé” and “Déposé,” confirming the vase’s authenticity and its legally protected design.
Price: € 4150,-
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