Posted 6 years ago
glasfreund
(31 items)
The production of Johann Lötz Witwe is well researched and documented. In his book "Wiener Gläser - Österreichischer Werkbund 1914", Ernst Ploil closes a gap in the work of Lötz, which is so closely associated with the designs of renowned artists. The glasses exhibited in Cologne in 1914 were designed by eight Viennese designers, including numerous architects (Josef Hoffmann, Arnold Nechansky, Scrooge Peche, Cesar Poppovits, Michael Powolny, Milla Weltmann, Carl Witzmann and Hans Bolek).
The 58 glasses that belonged to the exhibition emerged from a preserved delivery list of the glass manufactory, published in Ploil’s book. Most of these glasses have been signed especially for the Cologne exhibition. Many, but not all, are now in public and private collections, including the Passau Glass Museum. They are all documented in Ploil's book.
One of the vases not yet found again was designed by Michael Powolny. In the consignment list of 16.4.1914 it is referred to as "Vase orangeopal with hyalith foot". When the book went to press, its whereabouts were still unknown, as was its signature.
It appeared at the March auction of the auction house Dr. Fischer and was sold at an immense price increase. The signature shows the same handwriting as the signature on other objects for the Werkbund Exhibition and is probably proof that exactly this vase was exhibited at the Werkbund Exhibition in 1914.
This closes a gap in the study of Lötz's glasses.
From left to right: The vase designed by Michael Powolny, manufactured by Lötz for the Werkbund Exhibition 1914 – the signature on the inside of the foot – the vase on the consignment document – the signature on another vase for the same exhibition. Last two images: coutesy of Erich Ploil: Wiener Gläser, pages 24 and 86.
Nice write-up Volkmar. Probably the most expensive piece of Tango glass ever sold eh? Is it your piece?
Indeed a high price for tango glass. But the colors and the tango glass category were most probably not the reason for the bidders. It is an historical example of Lötz production and the history of Vienna arts as well. I hope it went to Vienna, although I wouldn't mind including it in my collection... I always take auction previews as an opportunity to learn more about glass. It is a good chance to examine and compare glass and to take pictures of signatures etc.
fabilus history romance desire education & glory !!!!!!!!
reminding me for future space explorations & this would be the goblet , vase from the dreamed future !!!!!!!! world
thanks ever so much for sharing glasfreund
Volkmar, I have Ploils' book and enjoyed seeing your photos of the signature and actual vase being offered at Dr Fischers. While this example, "Vase orangeopal with hyalith foot", is surely the missing piece that was actually shown at 1914 Exhibition in Koln, do you know why there are two different descriptions of the foot produced in this model in Ploil's book? "The model was taken over by Glashutte in 1920 and produced in three sizes. Her coloring - a glaring orange funnel combined with an iridescent metallic blue iridescent foot - was groundbreaking for Loetz's glass production in the 1920s."