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

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

It is therefore a precious witness to this stylistic transition where 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 arts.

The Val & Cie establishments often supplied models or drawings of its vases to the Daum “Verrerie de la belle Étoile,” which handled the technical fabrication according to these specifications, apposing the signature of the client-distributor/publisher: VAL.

This trumpet-shaped vase is the testimony.
This work is made in double glass on a background of opalescent glass in a very soft pink/mauve and satin finish.
The outer, bare layer is a Deep Carmine Red (close to ruby) that captures the light.
The design is obtained by the acid-engraving technique (cameo technique), which has carved the red layer to reveal the floral motifs in soft relief on 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 Art Nouveau naturalist theme.
The centers of the flowers are highlighted with bright gold enamel, as is the neck, adding a note of preciousness.
The lower part of the vase displays a rich speckled and granular texture in reds and golds, superbly contrasting with the fluidity of the neck.

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

Condition: good overall; note a few scattered traces of gilding wear, no cracks, a tiny chip at the base almost invisible (see photo)