Legras, Enamelled Glass Vase, Early 20th Century

Red blown glass scroll vase with swollen base, with enamelled iris decoration surrounded by gilded screen-printed ornaments.

Unsigned.

François-Théodore Legras (1839-1916) was a French master glassmaker who, after working as a clerk in glassworks in his native Vosges, joined the Plaine Saint-Denis glassworks, where he quickly rose through the ranks and became director in 1867. He modernized production by building new factories and a workers' housing estate, turning the plant into a major industrial complex. Alongside utilitarian glassware, he also produced creative glassware decorated with foliage, flowers, fruit, landscapes, etc., as well as bottles depicting famous people, monuments or historical episodes. The glassworks took part in numerous artistic events, including the Universal Exhibitions of 1886, 1889 and 1900. After Legras's death, his nephew took over the glassworks until 1928, when it was bought by the "Verrier Lyonnais Souchon-Neuvesel" group.

Glossily faded gilding in places.
Good condition overall.
Early 20th century.

Dimensions:
H: 26.5 cm
D: 9 cm (neck) - 11 cm (base)