Daum - Vase (2) - Iridescent thistle decoration - solid silver mounting - 1895–1898 - Glass

• Manufacture: Daum Nancy (Daum Frères)
• Title: Pair of vases “Aux Chardons”
• Date: Circa 1895-1898

• Technique: Multilayer blown glass, acid-etched and wheel-carved, iridescent decoration with gold highlights, solid 950/1000 silver mount

• Dimensions: Height: 13.5 cm (each vase)
• Signature / Brand: Signed “Daum” (slight wear to the signature, typical of the period)

• Hallmark: Minerva head mark (guarantee of French silver 950/1000)
• Mount: Hand-chased solid silver with a beaded decorative base
• Condition: Very good overall (sold unboxed initially, ready to be displayed)

This rare pair of Daum Nancy vases perfectly embodies the elegance and poetry of the Art Nouveau movement. Each vase features an elongated, organic form: a bulbous base resting on a solid silver mount, a tall and slightly flared neck.

The central decor, emblematic of the period 1895-1898, depicts superb shamrocks in relief, with spiny capitula, slender stems, and finely beaded leaves carved in high relief.

The multilayer glass, with exceptional chromatic richness, offers iridescent, shimmering hues ranging from golden amber to deep purple, with green and blue reflections. These changing colors with light give the overall piece remarkable life and depth, typical of the finest works of Nancy glassmaking.

The solid 950 silver mounts, hallmark’d with a Minerva head, are exquisitely crafted: circular bases with a beaded and frieze-decor, perfectly integrated to the curvature of the glass.

Work of the material
Daum masterfully handles the technique of multi-layered blown glass, acid-etched and then reworked with a wheel to create a delicate and lifelike relief. The iridescence, achieved by vaporizing metallic salts at high temperature, produces these pearlescent and shifting reflections so sought after. The gold highlights subtly emphasize the leaf veins and the chardons’ spines, adding a touch of luxury to these exceptional pieces.

This dialogue between the transparency of the glass, the sculpted material and the shine of the silver constitutes one of the most refined signatures of Daum’s late 19th-century production.

Manufacture
Founded in 1878 in Nancy by the Daum brothers, the glassworks became by the 1890s one of the peak players of French Art Nouveau. Close to Émile Gallé and a member of the École de Nancy, Daum is distinguished by its constant exploration of color, texture, and the integration of metal mounts. The “Chardons” vases from this period are among the most emblematic and rare pieces on the market, particularly prized by collectors.

Provenance
Private collection. Authentic, period pieces sold as the original pair.

Condition report
Very good overall.
The glass is intact, with no cracks or chips.
Slight signs of wear (normal for pieces over 125 years old), notably on the signature, with no severity.
The silver mounts are in excellent condition, with a beautiful antiqued patina.

Shipping
The vases will be packed with the utmost care in a custom crate with foam protections and reinforced double outer boxes,

This rare pair of “Aux Chardons” vases signed Daum Nancy, circa 1895-1898, with solid silver mounts hallmarked, constitutes an exceptional opportunity to acquire two iconic pieces of French Art Nouveau, combining technical perfection, floral poetry and timeless elegance.