A 'Chrysantheme et Mante Religeuse' Vase, Circa 1890

This vase, with its decoration of chrysanthemums and praying mantis reminds us of the rich palette and subtle effects that he soon had at his disposal. These include lightly iridescent surfaces as well as the jewel-like gilding that enriches the elegant graphic stylization of his motifs. Within Gallé’s work in enamels, we find traces of his sources in Western tradition as well as Islamic and Oriental, and notably Japanese art; and we find the full resource of flora and fauna, delicate stems and blossoms, insects and other creatures that became the symbols of the artist’s profound respect for the wonders of nature.