French cameo glass shapes matter

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Philip Chasen

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Most of the time a French cameo glass vase is more valuable when the subject matter is more desirable. For instance a Daum rain vase is considerably more valuable than a floral vase if the two are the same size and shape. But what if the same subject matter appears on different shapes? It can make a difference, sometimes a big difference.

Both Daum vases have wild orchids and spider web decoration

Let’s take a look at the same subject matter on different shapes. I think it’s obvious that the above left shape is ordinary, while the shape on the right is special and rare. I would estimate the vase on the right would be worth at least triple.

daum-swan-comparison How about these two? Any shape with a swan is good, as the decoration is rare and very desirable. But let’s just compare the shapes. The covered egg shape is very rare and beautiful, but not everyone loves it. I would say the egg would be more valuable, depending on the size of each.

Fine Galle vase with red fuchsia on a flattened triangular shape

Gallé wasn’t as adventurous with shapes as Daum. Most Gallé shapes are fairly ordinary, but some are very pleasant. I personally like the flattened triangle pictured above.

This Gallé Rio de Janeiro banjo vase was sold at Julia Auction

More than a few collectors like Gallé’s banjo shape so much, they have amassed collections with over 75 different examples. The Rio de Janeiro banjo vase is the one of the rarest.

Cute glass “food”

I hope to put together videos of the glassblowing demonstration we saw in Murano, Italy, for uploading to youtube soon. You’ll want to see it if the process of glassblowing interests you.

Our next show will be in Winnetka, Illinois, November 4-6, 2016. This is our only fall show in the greater Chicago area (and probably our last show of the year). We always look forward to exhibiting there, especially to see all our friends and clients. Put it in your calendar. It’s a lovely show!

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Christie’s South Kensington sold some French cameo glass at their Interiors sale, September 14, 2016

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Philip Chasen

Christie’s South Kensington held their Interiors sale yesterday, September 14, 2016, with total sales of £764,688 ($1,009,329). Included in the sale were about twenty French cameo vases. I probably would have bought a few of them, but unfortunately I missed the sale.

Daum Nancy Rain scenic vase, Christie’s lot #201

Lot #201 was a nice Daum Nancy 8½” Rain scenic vase. It exceeded its pre-sale estimate of £3,000 – £5,000, realizing £6,875 ($9,151).

Daum Nancy Thistle vase, Christie’s lot #139

The top lot of the Daum Nancy selection of glass was #139, a huge 19¾” vase, with nice coloration and very fine martelé work in the background. I’ve had similar vases in the past, which were superior to this example, in my opinion. I didn’t like the carving on the foot as it looked too haphazard, like the carver was trying to eliminate flaws in the making. It was all original, but not to my taste. Regardless, it exceeded its high estimate of £6,000, realizing £7,500, ($9,982).

Gallé wheel-carved and intercalaire vase, Christie’s lot #138

Top lot of the Gallé glass was #138, a Hazelnut vase with internal decoration, called intercalaire. Brown is not usually a desirable color, but the high-quality workmanship, including wheel-carving, was attractive to bidders. It sold over its high estimate of £6,000, realizing £8,750 ($11,646). I didn’t like it, so I wasn’t going to bid, no matter what the price.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

Our next show will be in Winnetka, Illinois, November 4-6, 2016. This is our only fall show in the greater Chicago area. We always look forward to exhibiting there, especially to see all our friends and clients. Put it in your calendar. It’s a lovely show!

Emile Gallé’s grave was spruced up after having been neglected

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Philip Chasen

The family grave of Louis Majorelle

On my visit to Nancy, France in May of 2015, my colleague, Xavier Eury, took me to visit a cemetery filled with surprises. Inside were the graves of Emile Gallé and family, the Majorelle family, the Daum family and a whole host of very famous French designers and craftsmen of the late 19th century and early 20th century. Needless to say, I was shocked. I’ve been selling their works for decades and had no clue they were all buried in the same cemetery.

The grave of Emile Gallé, his wife, and his son in May, 2015

Emile Gallé’s grave was a big disappointment, as it was totally neglected. Disgraceful that the grave of the one of the most important glass makers of the Art Nouveau period was a mess! Everyone oohed and aahed over his glass but totally neglected his final resting place. How very sad.

I decided to take things into my own hands. After all, Gallé had taken care of me, so it was my turn to return the favor and show some respect. I emailed Xavier and suggested we split the cost of upgrading and maintaining the plantings at his grave. Xavier agreed and then took care of it himself.

Emile Gallé's grave today The result is lovely. Here’s the updated photo from August, 2016. I think you’ll agree it’s a very nice improvement.

Our next show will be in Winnetka, Illinois, November 4-6, 2016. We always look forward to exhibiting in the greater Chicago area. We have lots of friends and clients. Put it in your calendar. It’s a lovely show!

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show opens today, August 25, 2016

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Philip Chasen

Part of the extensive display of Tiffany, Handel and Pairpoint lamps in our booth

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show begins today, August 25, 2016, as you read this post. Setup went smoothly and the booth looks great.

Butler & Butler are one of the fine dealers at the show

All dealers walk around the show floor during the two days of setup buying from each other. I was able to purchase several wonderful Daum, Gallé and Argy-Rousseau vases during setup, which I’ll have at the show. Early buying is one of the advantages of being an exhibitor, which sometimes works out very well.

Some of the wonderful Daum Nancy vases that I bought at the show

I brought one of the best collections of French and American glass and lamps to the show. Here’s hoping the show will go well. Tune in Monday for the results.

Click on the image above to obtain two free tickets to the show. It will redirect you to a form that you have to complete. You’ll receive one free ticket, good for two, to the show.

We don’t have a show scheduled for quite some time. We probably won’t exhibit at the NYC Pier Antiques Show, now that it’s become a very expensive version of the old show. The original show folded and was replaced by a show from the Palm Beach Show Group, who were forced to move after being shut out of the NY Armory.

A Daum Nancy vase with applied snails is a modern reproduction

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Philip Chasen

Which vase is fake?

Authentic Daum vases with applied and wheel-carved snails are rare, highly desirable and valuable. So I was surprised yesterday when I received photos of a “Daum Nancy” vase with applied snails. It was immediately obvious to me that the vase was a reproduction. The fake vase is crude and harsh. Take a look at the photos above, comparing an authentic example and the reproduction example. If you have trouble telling which is which, you should only buy from an expert who unconditionally guarantees authenticity. The example on the right is a modern reproduction.

daum-fake-and-real-snail-vases-2 The real snail on the left is delicate and beautifully wheel-carved by hand. The fake snail on the right is crude, with gilded details.

The signature on the fake vase is close to the original

baltimore-8-2016 The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show is right around the corner, August 25-28, 2016. It’s the best show of the summer and maybe now the best of the year (with all the changes coming this winter in Miami). People fly in from all over the world to attend, including from as far away as Japan. If you haven’t yet visited, you should. It’s big, with some of the best national and international dealers. You’ll also enjoy Baltimore. Hope to see you there!

In the meantime, we’re very much in business. Call or email me with your wants or items for sale. If you have what I’m looking for, I’m paying the highest prices. My decisions are quick and my payments just as quick. Just snap a photo and email it to me.

I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. I will continue to list more as often as possible. Please click here to take a look.There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Part II of the new items from our European buying trip

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Philip Chasen

Here’s part II, highlighting some of the Daum Nancy goodies we bought on our European buying trip. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to make a purchase. Send an email to philip@chasenantiques.com. Everything will be for sale in Baltimore toward the end of the month (unless I sell something before).

A large Daum vase with this same Parrot Tulip decoration should be arriving today or tomorrow

This Daum Violets tumbler has strong color and an original seller's sticker from Majorelle on the underside

This Daum Violets tumbler has strong color and an original retail sticker from Majorelle on the underside

I had this item listed on my website using a file photo. Now we physically have it in stock.

This bulbous 4-inch tall Daum vase has strong color and beautiful detail

baltimore-8-2016 It’s already August and our next show, the eagerly anticipated Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, is coming very soon, August 25-28, 2016. It’s the best show of the summer and maybe now the best of the year (with all the changes coming this winter in Miami). People fly in from all over the world to attend, including from as far away as Japan. If you haven’t yet visited, you should. It’s big, with some of the best national and international dealers. You’ll also enjoy Baltimore. Hope to see you there!

A preview of the new items from our European buying trip

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Philip Chasen

Our European buying trip was a big success. We brought back some of the items, but the bigger and heavier items are being shipped. Following is a little preview. These items are not even listed on my site yet.

Killer Daum vase with padded and wheel-carved daffodils in a very rare shape

12-inch Gallé scenic vase with extraordinary color

Lalique Moineaux clock, like the one being shipped

Spectacular 10½-inch Daum scenic vase

What’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques?

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Philip Chasen

Killer Tiffany Favrile red Tel el Amarna vase

Spring is an unusual time for my business because of various opposing forces. First the weather gets nice and summer vacation approaches. People spend less time indoors, so they spend less time at their computers searching for antiques and more time planning for the summer. Opposing that is the glut of merchandise that comes onto the market in June. Every auction house, major and minor, in the US and in Europe, has a June Decorative Arts sale.

Wonderful Daum Nancy vitrified floral vase

Then there is the business of antique shows. Historically there have been very few shows in the spring. The result is lots of merchandise to buy and very few people to sell it to. Dealers with the deepest pockets have the easiest time smoothing out spring’s rough ride. Business gets better in the summer, with a couple of antique shows (there used to be more), including the important Baltimore Summer Antiques Show at the end of August (which I always eagerly look forward to).

Superb mini Daum Nancy Fall scenic vase

What does it all mean? I’ve been buying like crazy, all over the world, both at auction and privately. The new merchandise is mostly fine French cameo glass by Daum Nancy, Gallé, A. Walter and Argy-Rousseau, but also includes Tiffany Favrile glass and several fine lamps by Tiffany, Handel and Pairpoint. The new items have all been hand-selected by me and meet my high standards. You know you can buy from me with confidence.

Rare Gallé blownout Fig vase

I’m trying to list many new items but it’s been difficult because we’re packing for our Denver show (where it will all be on display). I did list a few items and will continue to list more as time permits. Please check my site often or email me with your requests.

Denver, July 15-17, 2016

The Denver World Wide Antique Show is close at hand, July 15-17, 2016. If you’re in the area, please make the time to come and visit. In the meantime, we’re very much in business, so call or email me with your wants or items for sale. If you have what I’m looking for, I’m paying the highest prices. My decisions are quick and my payments just as quick. Just snap a photo and email it to me.

This is why you buy from me

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Philip Chasen

Daum vase with applied snail

I was offered an important Daum vase by a gentleman who found me through my website. The decoration of applied grapes and snail was just what I was looking for — important, desirable and priced right. I agreed to buy the vase. We met in Manhattan, where we were to consummate the deal. I really wanted this to go well because there would have been a good payday as a result.

Another view. Looks great in the photo. Doesn’t it?

The first thing I did was to closely inspect the applied snail. If there was going to be a problem, that’s where it was likely to be. The two usual problems are either damage to the antennae or regluing of the entire snail. This was a different problem. The head of the snail looked odd, misshapen and rough. I knew there was a problem from the get-go and was determined to figure it out. On close inspection, I found a seam between the head and the body. (Original snails do not have seams.) Apparently a restorer along the way had removed the entire head (almost certainly due to damage) and replaced it with another, carved to resemble the original. It would easily have passed muster with most people, but I’m not most people. Do you think you would have known if you had purchased this vase? I doubt it. I venture to guess that most people would not have discovered a professional restoration, nor even thought to look for one (and been stuck with the vase as a result).

I felt this individual had been duped and wasn’t trying to fool me, as he seemed genuinely surprised at my finding. It was very disappointing to both of us. The good part is you’re not going to buy it. I act like a filter, filtering out fake, repaired, ugly, unimportant, and common items. If I’m offering it for sale, it’s passed my inspection. And that’s why you buy from me.

Denver, July 15-17, 2016

James D. Julia, Inc. sold approximately $2.5 million at its Important Rare Lamps, Glass & Fine Jewelry auction, June 16-17, 2016

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Philip Chasen

James D. Julia, Inc. held its Important Rare Lamps, Glass & Fine Jewelry auction, June 16-17, 2016, with total sales of approximately $2.5 million. Jewelry, silver, Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre, KPM, Webb, Mt. Washington, non-Tiffany lamps, Steuben and paperweights were sold on the first day. The second day was devoted mostly to Tiffany Studios, Loetz and French cameo glass. The sale was so large (1,162 lots), that it’s difficult to cover everything in one short blog, so I’ll limit myself to the Tiffany and French glass. You can view the results of the entire sale in a day or two when Julia’s will post everything.

Tiffany Studios Geranium table lamp, Julia’s lot #2005

Sales of the Tiffany objects were soft, but there were some bright spots. A rare and beautiful Tiffany Studios 17″ diameter Geranium table lamp sold for $94,800, including buyer’s premium, against a pre-sale estimate of $80,000 – $95,000.

Interest picked up considerably when the sale shifted to the French cameo glass section, which included two collections of high quality glass with no reserves. That combination always kicks the excitement level up a few notches. Bids came in from Japan and Russia, as well as all across the US. The strong interest continued throughout the rest of the French cameo glass section. Two lamps did very well, as did most of the Daum glass and some of the Gallé glass, especially blownout vases.

Daum Rain lamp, Julia’s lot #2340

A rare Daum Rain lamp sold for twice its low estimate of $10,000, realizing $23,700, including buyer’s premium. It sold to a dealer who is certain he has a client for it. Unfortunately, I was the underbidder.

Gallé 4-color table lamp, Julia lot #2553

A rare Gallé 4-color lamp with outstanding color and workmanship, lot #2553, sold for a strong $47,400. The consignor was convinced to lower the reserve to $40,000, low enough to entice a buyer in the audience. Personally I had no interest as I felt the pre-sale estimate was too strong at $50,000 – $70,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here. The results should be posted within a couple of days. You will have to sign in (free) to see the prices.

Denver, July 15-17, 2016

No shows until next month, when we’ll be in Denver for the Denver World Wide Antique Show, July 15-17, 2016. In the meantime, we’re very much in business, so call or email me with your wants or items for sale. If you have what I’m looking for, I’m paying the highest prices. My decisions are quick and my payments just as quick. Just snap a photo and email it to me.

Philip Chasen Antiques

The blog for chasenantiques.com

Tag Archives: French cameo glass

French cameo glass shapes matter

Christie’s South Kensington sold some French cameo glass at their Interiors sale, September 14, 2016

Emile Gallé’s grave was spruced up after having been neglected

The Baltimore Summer Antiques Show opens today, August 25, 2016

A Daum Nancy vase with applied snails is a modern reproduction

Part II of the new items from our European buying trip

A preview of the new items from our European buying trip

What’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques?

This is why you buy from me

James D. Julia, Inc. sold approximately $2.5 million at its Important Rare Lamps, Glass & Fine Jewelry auction, June 16-17, 2016