Three Colour Cameo d’Argental Vase By Paul Nicolas c1920

Description

Heading : Cameo glass vase by d’Argental
Date : c1920
Origin : Paul Nicolas at Cristalleries Saint Louis. Saint-Louis-les-Bitche. Lorraine. France
Colour : Cherry red and chestnut brown on peach ground
Bowl : Signed with the cross of Lorraine and D’Argental. the cross denoting that this was made by Paul Nicolas himself
Pontil : Polished
Glass Type : Lead
Size : Height 26.5cm
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight : 700 grams

Eric Knowles Comments.

This is one of the very best designs that we have seen by Paul Nicolas and makes good use of the botanical nature of Morning Glory in the manner that the flowering plant literally ensnares the slender form being carved in red and russet cameo against a soft peach ground colour. The quality of such a vase compares well with that created by the nearby glassworks of both Galle and Daum. On a personal note I have liking for much of the output produced by this. France’s oldest surviving glassworks. and have been fortunate to have visited the site on two occasions and even had lunch in the company’s 18th century boardroom. Their on site museum has to be one of best I have had the pleasure to enjoy being a modern structure within the works and with gentle ramps that lead you to several floors that explain the chronology of their glass-wares aided by numerous audio visuals. I highly recommend a visit but do check which days it is open once we have emerged from the present restrictions. Also try and combine it with a visit to the nearby Meisenthal glass Museum where the young Emile Galle learnt the rudiments and techniques of art glass design and manufacture. I can promise you that both are a wonderful experience.