The unassuming, yet highly visited, spa town of Karlovy Vary sits in the western Czech Republic and holds one of the most influential and significant glass manufacturing companies in Europe. Although with humble beginnings, Ludwig Moser’s 19th century shop transformed from a simple polishing and engraving shop to an internationally known and highly regarded class manufacturer. Employing over 400 people and winning awards at multiple international festivals, Ludwig Moser’s shop became a sensation by the turn of the century. Luxurious drinking glasses, glistening vase, and brightly colored glass art pieces were staples to his name and brought enormous attention from courtiers, royalty, and important politicians. Moser quickly became immediately associated with magnificent decorative glass and the pieces themselves became one of the most collected items in the 20th century.
While catering to Austro-Hungarian royalty and creating personalized pieces for figures such as Edward VII, Moser was also making strides in new methods of creating decorative glass. With the help of the most prestigious designers, Moser swapped out plain clear glass for full colored glass in foliate or floral designs. As in this Moser Amberina Glass Pitcher, a colorful spectrum of design added uniqueness and life to his pieces. An exceptional amber ombre color covers the magnificent pitcher and is adorned with hand painted natural designs: nearly mystically colored oak leaves, low relief molded acorns, and life-like insects. The long neck of the pitcher terminates in a delicate, smooth pouring spout.
Continuing to create magnificent glass pieces, Moser also actively took part in International Festivals and Expositions in order to show case his best pieces. By exhibiting in London, Vienna, Belgium, and the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, Moser expanded his audiences, clientele, and prestige. One such piece created for an exposition is this urn shaped ruby glass vase. Created in 1885, the deep red color demonstrates Moser’s signature ruby glass. Decorating this magnificent, rich color is gilt accented designs of colored oak leaves and flowers connected by thin, delicate vines. Standing twenty-two inches tall, this vase calls gracious attention to itself in its all-over ornate and lavish design that allow peeks of the outstanding ruby base to reveal itself and sophisticated shape.
By using different colored glass for his decorative objects, Moser was able to achieve pieces so unique that they were immediately recognizable amongst any
other decorative glass piece. This amber glass coffee pot demonstrates the immense talent that Moser crafters possessed in enamel work. The entire body of this three rounded section pot boasts incredibly detailed foliate and floral design. Alluring purples, whites, rich golds, and teals adorn this piece, creating intricate flowers and scrolling vines that leave the viewer’s eye dazzled. Topping the pot is a mystically carved glass turkey that finishes the extravagant, yet refined, piece.
All in such incredible shape, Moser pieces such as these are rare and incredibly special. More importantly, these pieces demonstrate the advanced and remarkable talent that Moser craftsman possessed. In the first decade of the twentieth century, Ludwig Moser’s son, Leo, took over the workshop and continued to expand its market, talent, and extraordinary reputation.
