Pair of Legras Art Nouveau Glass Vases with Enamelled Violets, France, circa 1900

1999€

An elegant pair of tall French Art Nouveau glass vases attributed to Legras & Cie, circa 1900. Of slender cylindrical form with gently flared bases, decorated with purple and white enamelled violets, delicate gilded stems and foliage against a grey frosted glass ground. Gilded rims. Unsigned.

Height of each vase: 35.6 cm
Total weight of the pair: 2.38 kg
Origin: France
Period: Circa 1900
Attribution: Legras & Cie

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Description

A fine and decorative pair of French Art Nouveau glass vases attributed to Legras & Cie, Saint-Denis, circa 1900.

The matching vases are distinguished by their elegant, elongated cylindrical bodies, which widen gracefully towards the bases to form gently flared, rounded feet. Their proportions create an architectural silhouette characteristic of French decorative glass from the Belle Époque.

Both vases are made of grey-toned glass with a softly frosted, subtly textured surface. The upper rims are finished with broad gilded bands, providing a warm contrast to the cool grey background.

The decoration consists of delicate violet flowers, individually painted in shades of lavender, purple and white, with subtle yellow centres. Some blossoms are arranged in small clusters near the bases, while others are scattered along the tall cylindrical bodies, creating a light, naturally balanced composition.

Finely painted gilded stems and leaves accompany the flowers. The combination of coloured enamel and gold decoration lends the vases a particularly refined appearance.

Although conceived as a matching pair, the individual placement of flowers varies between the two vases, adding visual interest while preserving their harmonious overall design.

Historical Background:

François-Théodore Legras (1839–1916) was an important French glassmaker who directed the Saint-Denis glassworks near Paris. Under his leadership, the manufactory became one of France’s major glass producers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Legras developed an extensive range of artistic glass, particularly enamelled and gilded vessels featuring flowers, leaves and landscapes. His decorative production became an important part of French glassmaking during the Art Nouveau period.

Works by the Legras glassworks are represented in French museum collections, including the Musée du Verre François Décorchemont in Conches-en-Ouche, which has exhibited and catalogued numerous examples of the factory’s artistic glass.

The present pair displays stylistic and technical features associated with Legras production, including the frosted grey glass, polychrome enamelled violets and gilded floral decoration.

Neither vase bears a visible maker’s signature. The attribution to Legras & Cie is based on stylistic comparison and remains unconfirmed.

Origin: France
Period: Circa 1900
Maker: Attributed to Legras & Cie
Style: Art Nouveau
Material: Frosted glass, polychrome enamel and gilding
Signature: Unsigned
Quantity: Pair of two vases

Dimensions:
Height of each vase: 35.6 cm

Weight:
Total weight of the pair: 2.38 kg

Condition is shown in the photographs.