‘Ours Polaires’ Vase, circa 1920

During the second quarter of the twentieth century, Establissements Gallé (as the Gallé workshops were known in their later years) pioneered novel techniques like mold-blown glass making in order to maximize production and output. Within these molds, impressive designs with large scale animals were introduced. If animals were incorporated into designs, they can be explained as having a symbolic meaning, often linked to topical events.

The polar bear design may have been inspired by Norwegian explorers Roald Amundsen’s trips to the North Pole and Bear Island, on the Svalbard archipelago. Amundsen died in an aeroplane crash on 18 June 1928 while trying to rescue the Italian General Nobile. This tragedy was closely followed by the French nation.