Leune Heiligenstein Large Art Deco Glass Ball Vase 1925

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A French glass vase with exceptionally rich decoration, signed “Leune,” with the design attributed to Auguste Heiligenstein. It features a wide, nearly spherical body, rounded shoulders, and a short, slightly flared neck. The body tapers toward a small circular foot. With a height of 22.6 cm and a maximum diameter of 24 cm, this is an imposing piece.

The surface is almost entirely adorned with stylized flowers and foliage in shades of deep blue, light blue, various greens, and white, linked by extensive gold outline work. Large floral motifs alternate with vertical bands of leaves, while the spaces in between are filled with a dense network of fine spirals. The glazes, which are slightly raised in places, add texture and create a lively interplay of color, brilliance, and light.

The rim and the foot are also integral parts of the decoration. Near the foot is the stylized signature “LEUNE,” arranged vertically in gold and carefully integrated into the design. The combination of its generous dimensions, rounded shape, and elaborate decoration gives this vase a particularly remarkable character. To my knowledge, no other example with exactly the same shape and decoration has been identified.

Leune and the Supply of Glass

The Parisian firm Leune is known for its enamel-decorated glassware. Undecorated glass forms, known as “blancs,” were supplied to its decoration workshop primarily by Daum Frères in Nancy. These were then painted and enamelled at Leune. It is plausible that a “blanc” supplied by Daum was used for this vase, although this is not documented for this specific example.

Auguste Heiligenstein at Leune

Auguste Heiligenstein (1891–1976) was a French glass artist who specialized in decorating glass with enamel. In the 1920s, particularly around 1923–1926, he collaborated with Leune as an artistic and technical advisor. His designs contributed to the development of a distinctive Art Deco style, combining stylized flowers, geometric foliage, and bold colors.

His designs were reproduced on glass by the studio’s decorators. The floral and foliage motifs on this vase bear a strong stylistic resemblance to the designs attributed to Heiligenstein for Leune.

Dimensions and Weight

Height: 22.6 cm.
Maximum diameter: 24 cm.
Weight: 1,646 grams.

Condition

In very good condition, with no visible damage to the glass.

Keywords: Leune, Auguste Heiligenstein, Art Deco, French glass vase, ball vase, enameled glass, floral design, gilded design, circa 1925.

Thank you for visiting my shop. With warm regards, Ben.