Skip to product information
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Gallé Polar Bear Vase

  • This towering Art Nouveau vase is one of the finest achievements of Émile Gallé’s firm
  • The vase is monumental in size and one of only a few ever produced in this rare pattern
  • It depicts polar bears adrift on an ice floe, framed by distant mountains and an icy blue backdrop
  • The vase pays homage to the groundbreaking expeditions of Jean-Baptiste Charcot
  • Get complete item description here
$98,500
Item No. 32-0540

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Cameo Glass Polar Bear Vase
Émile Gallé
Circa 1927

This towering Art Nouveau vase stands as one of the finest achievements of Émile Gallé’s iconic glassmaking firm. The Polar Bear vase, or Ours Polaires in French, is monumental in size and exceptionally rare, with only a few ever produced in this beautiful pattern.

The vase’s impressive scale required an extraordinary amount of glass and heightened craftsmanship to achieve its intricate details. It depicts. . .
Read More
Cameo Glass Polar Bear Vase
Émile Gallé
Circa 1927

This towering Art Nouveau vase stands as one of the finest achievements of Émile Gallé’s iconic glassmaking firm. The Polar Bear vase, or Ours Polaires in French, is monumental in size and exceptionally rare, with only a few ever produced in this beautiful pattern.

The vase’s impressive scale required an extraordinary amount of glass and heightened craftsmanship to achieve its intricate details. It depicts polar bears adrift on an ice floe, framed by distant mountains and an icy blue backdrop. The use of layered opaque cameo glass makes the bear appear to be floating among the ice, creating a captivating, three-dimensional effect that was simply unmatched by Gallé's peers.

Believed to be inspired by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the vase pays homage to his groundbreaking Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, which advanced the scientific understanding of these remote regions. This remarkable vase reflects the Art Nouveau movement’s fascination with nature and Gallé’s legacy as a pioneer in glass artistry.

Emile 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”

14 1/2” high x 11” diameter
Read Less
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
Maker: Emile Gallé
Period: 20th Century
Origin: France
Type: Vases/Rose Bowls
Style: Cameo
Depth: 11.0 in. (27.94 cm)
Width: 11.0 in. (27.94 cm)
Height: 14.5 in. (36.83 cm)
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
Art Glass of Emile Gallé

  This enchanting cameo glass lamp is the work of the inimitable Emile Gallé. Entirely engraved and etched in a stunning pear blossom motif, this exquisite light beautifully displays Gallé's mastery of this...

Read More
Gallé Polar Bear Vase
History and Techniques of Cameo Glass

Glass is among the oldest media artists have utilized for creative expression. It has been known to humanity for centuries, and most scholars agree that the first glass objects date back to around...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.