Made in Klostermühle at around 1905, this vase is a truthful example of the vitality and creativity of the Art Nouveau-Jugendstil era, one of the most exciting times in decorative arts. The floral silver overlay, which nests harmoniously on the vase’s body, is a latter addition by Alvin and Company in the USA. The silver is marked 999/1000 Fine and G3245 stands for Gorham.

With its delicate shape and beauty, this exceptional Loetz vase was made from metallic salts in order to provide its interior with a metallic, iridescent lustre. The glasses of that time were either coated over or treated with silver acids after the cooling process. This one, in particular, has an interior layer of glass dyed with metal oxides which was metallized directly in the furnace.

LOETZ Green Metallin Silver Overlay Vase, c1905

Name: LOETZ Green Metallin Silver Overlay Vase, c1905
Brand: Loetz

£395.00

£316.00

Quantity

In excellent condition, with a visible small firing bubble. If you have any questions, or you require additional photos with the vase, do not hesitate to contact us.
Please note that Loetz main choice of metal was pewter, not silver. Pewter was the emblem of the Art Nouveau-Jugendstil period, and it was often referred to as “the moonlight of silver,” due to its malleability and rich grey patina, the grey giving the object a bit of dynamism and expressiveness. The metal was provided and mounted by J. Van Houten Co. At the 1898 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where Loetz won the Grand Prix medal alongside Émile Gallé, pewter, copper and bronze were the metalwork proposed to break down the foundations of 19th century design. However, pewter was not equally desired in all parts of the world; and so, for England and the USA in particular, some silversmiths and companies were buying the Loetz glass and then resold them in their markets with a new silver overlay. Alvin and Company is one of them.

I believe that Alvin and Company successfully managed to offer beautiful organic forms and swirling lines to the silver, keeping in mind the Art Nouveau’s ethos of their European counterparts. The vase on sale is a beautiful example of this ethos.