Jean-simon Peynaud – Opalescent Glass Aquarium Vase With Fish Motifs, Circa 1920

A large spherical vase serving as a decorative aquarium, created by the French glass artist Jean-Simon Peynaud (1869–1952).

This vase is made of mouth-blown opalescent glass. Its surface was etched with acid and then entirely hand-painted using polychrome enamels. The panoramic design depicts a lively underwater world filled with numerous fish in reddish-brown and golden hues, swimming among aquatic plants, branches, and stones. The shades of blue and green around the background enhance the illusion of a real aquarium.

The piece is signed “Peynaud” within the design. Jean-Simon Peynaud worked in Bordeaux and produced art glass in the tradition of the École de Nancy. He is best known for his vases adorned with flowers, fruits, landscapes, and sailboats. A large aquarium-style vase featuring a continuous design of fish belongs to the rarest and most creative part of his oeuvre. To the best of our knowledge, comparable pieces are extremely rare.

The vase is in good, authentic condition. The cold-painted design shows some wear and a few areas of color loss in places, clearly visible in the detailed photographs. It also bears normal signs of age and use.

Bordeaux, France, circa 1920–1935.

Dimensions:

Height: 20 cm
Maximum diameter: 22 cm
Weight: 944 grams

A particularly decorative and rare piece by Jean-Simon Peynaud, likely to appeal to collectors of French Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware.

Thank you for your visit. Best regards, Ben

Keywords: Jean-Simon Peynaud, aquarium vase, fish, opalescent glass, acid-etched, cold-painted, enamels, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bordeaux, French glassware, circa 1925