Pair of Art Nouveau Uranium Glass Vases with Metal Mounts
Decorative Art, Pair of Vases • European (likely French, Bohemian, or Austrian), Manner of Loetz or Daum Nancy
Style & Movement
Art Nouveau (Jugendstil)
Medium & Technique
Molded and satin-finished uranium glass (Vaseline glass) with patinated bronze or brass metal mounts and floral/leaf supports
Creation Period
Circa 1900 - 1920
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height 12 to 15 inches each, vertical freestanding decorative object
Subject Description
A matched pair of trumpet-form vases featuring bright yellow-green uranium glass inserts with ruffled, scalloped rims. The glass is held by intricate patinated metal mounts designed with stylized acanthus leaf or feather prongs rising up the lower body, above a pierced geometric and floral base.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition, showing minor surface wear to the metal patina and standard aging expected for early 20th-century decorative metalwork and glass.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Private collection, acquired from a European decorative arts dealer; likely descended through private collections in the United States or Europe.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 19th and early 20th-century fascination with uranium glass combined with organic Art Nouveau botanical metalwork, reflecting the collaborative production between glasshouses and metal foundries during the period.
Notable Features
The vivid lime-green fluorescence typical of uranium glass under ultraviolet light, combined with the structural interplay between the fluted glass and the architectural geometric base.
Condition Issues
Minor wear and oxidation to the metal patination; potential light surface scratches to the glass consistent with age and use.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dusting with a microfiber cloth; avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the metal patina and uranium glass; display away from direct, harsh UV sunlight to preserve material integrity.