Vintage Art Nouveau Vase from Lachenal, 1920s

Rare, exquisite, art nouveau vase with floral detail on the body with sinewy vines at the base, made by a member of the renowned Lachenal family.

The history of the Lachenal dynasty, is well documented and started with Edmond (1855 - 1948), and continued with his two sons, Raoul and Jean-Jacques, who were both also highly proficient as ceramists.

The entire family as a whole, have been noted as important protagonists in French ceramics well into the 1930's, but it is certainly Edmond, who has been the best-documented. He began as an apprentice under the tutelage of prestigious ceramist, Théodore Deck, then later went out on his own to become one of the most seminal figures of the Art Nouveau movement, with pieces that can be found in museums all over the world.

Known for introducing bright-colored, matte velvet, opaque glazes, working with both faience and grès, his work evolved from the influences of late, 19th century Japanese prints, then transitioned from painted ornamental images onto surfaces, into more organic and sculptural forms, with plants, flowers, animals or even people, would form the actual shape of the pieces themselves. Apart from his hand-signed ceramics, he also created an original, die-stamp to identify his work, which was apparently also used by his sons, at a later date.

This splendid vase, has all of the above attributes. It is an intense, vibrant, glossy, azure-blue/turquoise color, with an organic shape sculpted like a small tree stump, made of flowers with 4-5 petals, coupled with sinewy vines at the base. The vase also carries the die-stamp, which is clearly visible under the base. (see photos.)

The vase is in very good, original and vintage condition for a piece of this age, as it was clearly well-cared for and protected by its previous owner, and has continued to be, since being acquired.
Minimal traces of age and previous use commensurate with time, as well as a beautiful, original patina of time (see photos.)
The body is intact, and does not have any cracks or chips.
Whether or not it was intentional to glaze only part of the bottom, is not able to be determined, but does not affect the overall beauty of this piece (see photos.)

A magnificent piece of history that remains timeless, and would be a wonderful addition to any collection of Lachenal, and other Art Nouveau ceramic collections>

All photos taken in natural light, so colors may vary based upon brightness, angles and perspective in which they are viewed.