Vase - Glass, Gold - Daum transitional vase

This heavy, imposing glass vase bearing the VAL mark (Verrerie d’Art Lorrain) 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 totally replaced by the geometric motifs of the 1920s.
It is this enriching ambiguity that makes it a rare piece for collectors of glass art.
Verrerie d’Art Lorrains is a brand of the DAUM manufactory at La Belle Étoile in Croismare in the 1920s.
This trumpet-shaped vase is a testament to it.

This work is made with two layers of glass on an opalescent glass background in a very soft pink/mauve and satin finish. The outer, raised layer is a deep carmine red (close to ruby) that captures the light.

The decoration is achieved by the acid-etch relief (cameo) technique, which carved the red layer to reveal the floral motifs in a 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 enhanced with bright gold enamel, as is the rim, adding a note of preciousness.

The lower part of the vase shows a rich speckled and grainy texture in red and gold tones, contrasting superbly with the fluidity of the neck.
Height: 35.5 cm
Base diameter: 9 cm
Neck diameter: 7.5 cm

Condition: Good overall; note some scattered traces of gilding wear, no crack, a minuscule nibble at the foot almost invisible.