Vase in Gestalt eines Grashalms
Vase in the shape of a blade of grass
Foto: LVR-ZMB, Andreas Schiblon

Vase in the shape of a blade of grass, ca. 1901-1903

DesignÉmile Gallé, Nancy 1846–1904 Nancy
ExecutionCristallerie Gallé à Nancy, 1846–1936
Clear glass, opalescent overlay with powder inclusions and "cristal de jade" overlay at the base, optical blown, applied
(H x Ø)51,7 × 15,6 cm
Status
on display, room G09
About the workThe glass merchant and entrepreneur Émile Gallé expressed a passion for botany since childhood. He kept a botanical garden next to his factory in Nancy, which also served for study purposes. This vase is a heavily enlarged stalk of grass or cereal complete with nodes, a leaf sheath and a leaf blade. Such an artistic design for a simple plant is reminiscent of the concept of nature in Japanese art; Gallé was introduced to this in the 1880s through his friendship with the Japanese botanist Tokuso Takashima.
AccessionGift of Helmut Hentrich, 1977
Inventory numberP 1977-54
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