Antique Art Nouveau Iridescent Glass Twin U-Stem Vase

The twin U-stem form of this Art Nouveau iridescent glass vase, rising from a flared opalescent base with spiral trailing running the length of each stem, is one of the more inventive and sculptural vessel forms of the early 20th century, the luminous green iridescent finish shifting in tone as the light moves across the surface with the kind of optical complexity that made iridescent glass one of the defining decorative achievements of the Art Nouveau period.

Made in the early 20th century by an unidentified maker, this vase belongs to the tradition of iridescent art glass that flourished in Europe and America in the years around 1900, when glassmakers including Tiffany in New York, Loetz in Bohemia, and numerous smaller workshops developed techniques for producing the lustrous, oil-on-water surface effect that became synonymous with Art Nouveau decorative glass. The iridescent finish, achieved by exposing the hot glass to metallic oxide vapours during the manufacturing process, gives the surface of this vase a depth and luminosity that changes with the angle of the light, the green tones shifting between emerald, gold, and bronze depending on the viewing conditions. The twin U-stem form, in which two curved stems rise from a shared flared base, is an unusual and sculptural variant of the bud vase form, and the spiral trailing applied to each stem adds a further layer of decorative complexity to an already inventive piece. The flared opalescent base, with its soft milky tone, provides a visual anchor for the more dynamic upper section. The piece is in very good condition throughout.

• Maker: Unknown
• Dimensions: 13 cm (H) x 11 cm (W)
• Condition: Very Good
• Features: Twin U-stem form, spiral trailing, flared opalescent base, green iridescent finish
• Period: Early 20th century
• SKU: CBD-0150

A rare and sculptural piece of Art Nouveau iridescent glass for the serious collector of early 20th-century decorative glass. Pairs naturally with the vintage filigree and amber art glass bowl (CBD-0016) and the wider Art Glass collection.