Soliflore Vase In Frosted Enameled Glass By Legras Montjoye, Violets, Art Nouveau, 19th Century

A frosted and enameled glass soliflore vase, most likely by Legras* Montjoye, with a spherical body and long tubular neck, decorated with purple flowers and foliage in gilt, dating from the Art Nouveau period, late 19th-early 20th century. This vase is in good condition and of fine quality. Note: some scratches and signs of wear consistent with age, particularly on the gilding, see photos. * François-Théodore Legras (1839-1916) was a French master glassmaker. At the age of 20, he began working as a clerk in glassworks near his native hamlet. It was there that he learned his craft. At 24, he left his native Vosges region to work at the Plaine Saint-Denis glassworks, a district of the city of Saint-Denis near Paris, where he was hired as a night clerk. Six months later, he became production manager, and in 1866, at the age of 27, he became director of the glassworks. He then had a new, modern factory and a workers' housing complex built, which over the years became an industrial complex of nearly 20,000 square meters. He became Chairman and CEO of Legras & Co., then of the Saint-Denis Glassworks and Crystal Factory. He participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, where he was frequently awarded prizes. He was also in charge of the glass and crystal section of the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris. In 1909, he handed over the management of his company to his nephew, Charles Legras. He was one of the four master glassmakers at the founding of Art Nouveau, along with Gallé, Daum, and Lalique. His work is remarkably diverse, with a considerable range of shapes and decorations. The most common classification method is based on decorative themes such as landscapes, flowers, and wildlife. Diameter: max 8 cm Height: 19 cm Reference: C10 657 All photos are available at: www.antiques-delaval.com