Val & Cie - Vase - Glass - Vase Val&Cie

This large glass vase signed VAL is a magnificent testament to Art Nouveau—in its technique, its form, and its inspiration—and already incorporates the stylization that would lead to Art Deco.

It is, therefore, a valuable witness to this stylistic transition in which floral motifs hardened and clarified before being completely replaced by the geometric motifs of the 1920s.
It is this enriching ambiguity that makes it a rare piece for collectors of glass art.

The Val & Cie establishments often supplied the designs or drawings of its vases to Daum's 'Verrerie de la Belle Étoile,' which handled the technical manufacturing according to these specifications, stamping the signature of the client-distributor/publisher: VAL.

This trumpet-shaped vase bears witness to it.
This piece is crafted in double-layered glass on a background of opalescent glass in a very soft, satin rose-mauve.
The outer layer, exposed, is a Deep Carmine Red (ruby-like) that captures light.
The decoration is achieved by the acid relief technique (cameo technique), which etched the red layer to reveal the floral motifs in soft relief against the frosted background.
The composition features large stylized flowers typical of the Nancy School in Lorraine (poppies and thistles) and sinuous foliage, typical of the naturalist Art Nouveau theme.
The centers of the flowers are accented with a gleaming gold enamel, just like the collar, adding a note of preciousness.
The lower part of the vase features a rich mottled and granular texture in red and gold tones, superbly contrasting with the smoothness of the neck.

Height: 35.5 cm
Base diameter: 9 cm
Neck diameter: 7.5 cm

Condition: good overall. Some scattered traces of wear to the gilding; no cracks. A tiny chip at the base, almost invisible (see photo).