Émile GALLE (1846-1904) - Lot 188

Émile GALLE (1846-1904) Spindle-shaped soliflore vase with hollow "karakusa" interlacing ornamentation, Model created in 1895 Made of two layers of oxblood and dark red glass, blown and molded on a gob of white glass, decorated with interlaced arabesques, carved into the material. Signed below the base "Gallé" and inscribed "Modèle et décor déposés". H. 22.8 cm This vase appears in the album of models deposited for guarantee with the Nancy industrial tribunal by Gallé on May 14, 1895, one year after the furnaces were fired at his Nancy crystal works, the construction of which had put an end to nearly thirty years of back and forth between Nancy and Meisenthal. This vase by Emile Gallé is typical of the Japanese and Far Eastern influences in his art. Indeed, the sang-de-boeuf color is reminiscent of the Chinese porcelain monochromes so popular with Gallé's contemporary ceramists (Delaherche, Dalpayrat). The use of a darker color in the glass is also reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese lacquers carved with plant motifs in this ruby color. What's more, the recessed arabesque pattern is reminiscent of the Japanese "karakusa" decoration. Used in textiles, porcelain and painting, this motif is extremely common in Japanese art. It's hardly surprising, then, that Gallé should use it, for the artist was fascinated by the archipelago from an early age, and was also a great lover of its flora. Vases with similar decoration are on display at the Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy and also at the Musée d'Orsay (OAO 1612, middle level, room 64).