A Pâte-de-Verre Vide Poche
By Almeric Walter, circa 1900
Molded to depict two Japanese Ryukin goldfish, signed in the mould A. WALTER NANCY
5 ¼ in (13 cm) wide
cf. Glass of Art Nouveau, Mitsumura Suiko Shoin, Japan, 1994, p.339, no.503
5 ¼ in (13 cm) wide
cf. Glass of Art Nouveau, Mitsumura Suiko Shoin, Japan, 1994, p.339, no.503
Lizard: 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 mould with granules of glass, heating the glass in a kiln until grains fuse into a single mass, cooling and breaking away the mould, followed by cleaning and selective polishing of the glass. With this method, the colours can be specifically placed within the mould, 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.
