Cameo Glass Vase by Émile Gallé

Exceptional in both size and artistry, this cameo art glass vase is the work of the famed Art Nouveau master Émile Gallé, one of the most highly regarded names in French glassmaking. The artist's love of nature is evident in the detailed rendition of blooming irises that climb up the length of this vase. Measuring over two feet high, this is much larger than is typical of Gallé's vases, yet it is still magnificently proportioned. Its size combined with its delicately fluted shape makes this piece especially well-suited to the flowing, fluid design, allowing for a sense of grace and elegance.

Émile Gallé opened a small woodworker's shop in 1885, where he began experimenting with marquetry designs in furniture and naturalistic glass designs. In 1889, he displayed his new glass creations at the Paris International Exhibition, where the designs and colors not previously seen caused an immediate sensation. The new style of Art Nouveau had begun to appear, and the movement's aesthetics and devotion to nature appealed greatly to the young Gallé. In 1894 Gallé built a manufacturing plant in Nancy and began creating his own designs from inception through production. Gallé personally developed many of the designs, and he was known to actively make alterations and approve the designs of his talented team of designers and craftsmen he employed at the "Cristallerie D'Emile Gallé."

Signed "Gallé"

Circa 1900

29 1/4" high x 5" diameter