495

AN EXCEPTIONAL DAUM CARVED, MARTELE, AND ETCHED CAMEO GLASS FOOTED VASE circa 1910. Of swollen cylindrical form rising from a short double knopped stem with spreading circular foot, the gray glass internally decorated with mottled pale blue and streaks of lemon yellow, overlaid in blue then etched and finely carved with a profusion of daisies and foliage against a martele ground, the foot overlaid in jade green and etched with stylized flowers and scrolling foliage.  Wheel carved signature “Daum Nancy” with Cross of Lorraine.
Height 15 3/8 inches.

Estimate $12,000-$18,000

The offered vase was produced at the height of Daum’s creative output and exhibits a number of decorating techniques, which at the time were considered technical advances. Some of these techniques, which include wheel engraving and “hammering” would become Daum trademarks and contributed immensely to Daum’s success and growth up until World War I. The offered lot is a fine example of the precise control and utmost skill required throughout the entire glass making process. From forming the initial blank and shape, to selecting the proper glass for each layer of color in order to avoid stresses which may cause cracks in the final finishing process. This vase is a testament to the skills which made Daum famous. Only after a satisfactory piece was produced would it then be decorated with artistic designs. The artist removed unwanted glass by utilizing hand cutting tools, an engraving wheel and hydrofluoric acid. Each being a slow exacting process requiring considerable skill to achieve the desired effect.

A similar example of this vase was sold at Christie’s South Kensington, Cameo Glass Auction of July 2, 1998, sale 8055, Lot 114.

And another example was sold in these showrooms on Jackson’s sale of June 23, 2002, Lot 991.