Loetz Green Metallin Silver Overlay Vase c.1905

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 may stand 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. Alvin & 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.