Montjoye Legras "nile Green" Cylindrical Vase

Montjoye “Vert du Nil” Vase

An exceptional acid-etched glass vase with a deep green base, featuring applied and chiseled gold plant motifs; “Vert du Nil” model, signed Montjoye.

This remarkable vase stands out for the richness of its decoration and the elegant contrast between its intense green glass—with a nuanced and slightly irregular surface—and its raised gold ornamentation. Finely detailed foliage compositions spread across the body and base, while the upper section is adorned with an elegant, symmetrical plant motif of small leaves. The overall effect evokes a refined naturalistic world, characteristic of late 19th-century decorative taste.

The deep hue of the glass, combined with the gold accents, gives this piece a particularly sculptural presence. The decoration appears to emerge from the material itself, playing on the reliefs, textures, and reflections of light. The “Vert du Nil” model thus derives its uniqueness from the combination of a lush green hue and a precious botanical design.

The Montjoye Manufactory: The Art of Glass in the Late 19th Century

The Montjoye brand is associated with the significant French glass production of the late 19th century, a period when the decorative arts were undergoing a profound renewal. The development of techniques for colored glass, layered decorations, and intricate ornamentation enabled manufacturers to produce objects that were both functional and artistic.

This period also saw the emergence of a taste for forms inspired by nature, expressive materials, and color contrasts. The vase shown here is part of this decorative trend, as evidenced by the richness of its botanical design and the interplay between the green glass and the gold accents.