Art Deco Smoked Acid Etched Glass Vase with Zig Zag Motif Signed Daum Nancy
Art Deco Smoked Acid Etched Glass Vase with Zig Zag Motif Signed Daum Nancy
This refined Art Deco vase was realized and signed Daum Nancy in France, circa 1930. Handblown in textural molded glass, it offers a tapered conical body with a round cantilevered base and circular mouth in a rich smoked sable hue. A graphic and dramatic zig zag pattern in relief circumscribes the center of the piece done by acid etching. With its sumptuous glass quality and impeccable artisanal construction, this piece promises to delight discerning cameo glass collectors of the period as well as those with a penchant for exquisite objects. While it is a perfectly functional vase- ideal for presenting flowers- it is also an objet d'art in its own right that would be a winning addition to any surface (such as occasional table, etagere, or console) as well as any style of interior. It is in very good vintage condition. Signed Daum Nancy France.
Founded in 1878 by Jean Daum (1825–1885) in Nancy, France, Daum represents one of the preeminent studios of high quality glass and crystal in France's history. Daum was awarded a ‘Grand Prix’ medal in the Universal Exhibition of 1900. During the early part of the 20th century, Daum glass became more elaborate, incorporating acid etching (pioneered by the craftsman Jacques Grüber). This technique was often combined with carving, enamelling, and engraving on a single piece of glass to produce incredibly entailed glass masterworks. Starting in 1906, Daum revived pâte de verre (glass paste), an ancient Egyptian method of glass casting, developing the method so that by the 1930s Daum's window panels used pâte de verre for depth and color intensity instead of leaded or painted glass. Today, Daum continues to employ this technique to produce their pieces. Since their inception, Daum has collaborated with celebrated artists and designers including Phillipe Starck, Salvador Dali, and Arman in the creation of their glass pieces, and remains one of the most renowned and relevant glass studios in history.
France, circa 1930
Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 in. (21.59 cm) x Diameter: 9 in. (22.86 cm)
Style: Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Art Glass, Acid Etched
Place of Origin: France
Period: 1930-1939
Date of Manufacture: circa 1930
Condition: Good, Wear consistent with age and use.
Reference Number: LU793435327972
DAUM
Founded in 1878 by industrialist Jean Daum, the Daum crystal studio has grown from a modest glassworks in Nancy, France, to an internationally acclaimed house of luxury crystal art. Jean's sons, Auguste and Antonin, took over the family business and significantly propelled it into the Art Nouveau movement's limelight, particularly during the Universal Exhibition of 1900 where Daum received the prestigious Grand Prix medal.
Under their leadership, Daum crystal became renowned for its intricate designs combining acid etching, carving, and enameling. The studio's signature involved integrating applied glass elements that mirrored natural forms, which became a hallmark of Daum's pieces. The brothers were instrumental in reinvigorating the ancient technique of pâte de verre, a method where glass paste is molded and then kiln-fired, a process dating back to ancient Egypt.
The onset of World War I temporarily halted production, but by 1917, the factory resumed operations under a new name, "Societe Anonyme des Verreries Schneider," continuing to favor Art Nouveau styles while starting to introduce Art Deco elements. Post-World War I, Paul Daum, the next generation, began steering designs towards the Art Deco aesthetic, emphasizing linear and geometric shapes which marked a significant shift from the naturalistic forms of earlier periods.
In the years following, Daum collaborated with numerous artists, enhancing its offerings with innovative designs and techniques. Despite the economic challenges posed by the 1929 Wall Street crash, Daum managed to sustain production by adapting designs to simpler forms and fewer colors, catering to a changing market. The interwar and post-WWII periods saw a continued evolution in style, with the company increasingly focusing on the clarity and form of glass, aligning with contemporary trends.
By the late 20th century, Daum had cemented its reputation in the luxury goods market, known for both traditional craftsmanship and avant-garde artistry. It continued to produce high-end crystal sculptures and functional items using both time-honored and modern glass-making techniques. Today, Daum pieces, whether from the early 20th century or contemporary lines, remain coveted by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide, celebrated for their quality and artistic integrity.
