A Pâte-de-Verre Vide Poche
By Geno, circa 1930
Molded in the form of an upturned edged leaf with a lizard stalking a bee, signed in mould GENO
10 ¾ in (27.3 cm) wide
cf. Glass of Art Nouveau, Mitsumura Suiko Shoin, Japan, 1994, p.338, no.499
10 ¾ in (27.3 cm) wide
cf. Glass of Art Nouveau, Mitsumura Suiko Shoin, Japan, 1994, p.338, no.499
The technique known as 'pâte-de-verre' was produced by Ancient Egyptian and Roman glassmakers, prior to the first century AD. The process involves filling a refractory mold with granules of glass, heating the glass in a kiln until grains fuse into a single mass, cooling and breaking away the mold, followed by cleaning and selective polishing of the glass. With this method, the colours can be specifically placed within the mold, creating elaborate decorative colouring.
Pâte-de-verre pieces made between 1920 and 1930 are characterised by simple sculptural forms influenced by the Art Nouveau style, decorated with insects, reptiles and fish.
Pâte-de-verre pieces made between 1920 and 1930 are characterised by simple sculptural forms influenced by the Art Nouveau style, decorated with insects, reptiles and fish.
