LOETZ
AN IRIDESCENT GLASS VASE

LOETZ

Details
AN IRIDESCENT GLASS VASE
Loetz
Gourd-shaped with dimpled sides and trefoil rim, the body with green-gold iridescent decoration with blue striations on a copper-colored iridescent ground with blue wave decoration, the iridescent rim with copper-colored interior
40in. (25.4cm.) high

Lot Essay

cf. Helmut Ricke et al., Lötz, Böhmisches Glas 1880-1940, Band 1, Werkmonographie, 1989, p. 85, fig. 38 for illustrations of a similar example.

In 1900 Loetz produced this model in an edition of approximately three vases. The decoration of this model was recorded as "Cobalt Phänomen Genre 8058"; the production number was 77. The vase represents a fine and rare example of the Rosensprenggafässes, as well as a form executed by Loetz in different versions. This vessel form, which is of 18th/19th century Persian derivation, was designed to hold and sprinkle rosewater during ceremonial occasions. Loetz, inspired by the 'Rosesprinkler', produced a group of 19 designs for the Winter Exhibition at the Austrian Museum for Art and Industrie in 1898-9. Louis Comfort Tiffany was also inspired by and adapted the vase's organic form in a series of Art Nouveau vessels. Other examples by Loetz show a variation on the theme, but they rarely combine the innovative form and vibrant decor evidenced in the above lot.