Sunday, June 2, 2013

Acid-Etched Loetz Glass: Josef Hoffmann or Hans Bolek?

Sinuous vines and tendrils were frequent elements of the art nouveau period, while geometric forms are more reminiscent of the later art deco movement. It is not that common to see vine elements persisting in a geometric design, but Loetz had such a product line which seems to predate the actual art deco movement.

This particular acid-etched Loetz vase has a rare rose color. A Christie's auction listing from 2010 credits Josef Hoffmann with the design and gives the year as circa 1911. This just doesn't feel right. I have seen many similar vases designed by Hans Bolek. These are usually listed as circa 1915.


Loetz Rose Overlay Glass Goblet


Note the similarities with the following Loetz vase, c. 1915, which Christie's, the very same auction house, credited to Hans Bolek in an earlier 2007 sale:

Hans Bolek, Acid-Etched Loetz Vase, c. 1915

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/hans-bolek-an-acid-etched-vase-circa-19-4994695-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4994695&sid=f187aa34-2f47-4d9c-a8b3-8f2f9bc7a885


Note:  Can you believe it's been over a year since my last post concerning Loetz art glass? Me neither. The good news is you can still read it here.

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