Pair of Mont Joye Legras Art Nouveau Glass Vases with Gilt Poppy Decoration, circa 1900

Description

An exceptional pair of French Art Nouveau glass vases produced by Mont Joye, Legras & Cie, at the Saint-Denis glassworks near Paris, circa 1900.

Each vase is of tall cylindrical form, executed in colourless glass with a finely textured, acid-frosted surface resembling ice crystals. The bodies are decorated with elegant naturalistic compositions of flowering poppies, gracefully curved stems, large serrated leaves and hanging seed capsules.

The flowers are highlighted with rich gilding, while the leaves are delicately coloured in muted green, amber and reddish tones. The contrast between the shimmering gold ornament and the frosted glass creates a striking decorative effect characteristic of the finest French Art Nouveau glass.

The upper rims are finished with narrow gilt bands. The floral compositions extend around the cylindrical bodies, demonstrating the harmonious botanical design associated with the Mont Joye range.

Both vases retain a gilt maker’s mark beneath the bases, featuring the characteristic Mont Joye emblem with an ecclesiastical figure and the initials L.C., referring to Legras & Cie.

Historical background:

François-Théodore Legras (1839–1916) was one of the important French glassmakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His glassworks at Saint-Denis, near Paris, became known for high-quality decorative glass combining acid-etched surfaces, coloured enamelling, gilding and elaborate naturalistic ornament.

Mont Joye was a prestigious decorative range associated with Legras & Cie. Its production included elaborate floral vases featuring finely frosted surfaces and richly gilded or enamel-painted motifs.

Poppies were among the favoured flowers of the Art Nouveau movement, admired for their delicate petals, flowing stems and elegant natural shapes.

The present pair represents a particularly attractive example of Mont Joye production, combining substantial proportions, finely executed poppy decoration and original gilt factory marks.

Maker:
Mont Joye — Legras & Cie.

Material:
Acid-frosted glass, polychrome enamel and gilding.

Marks:
Gilt Mont Joye / L.C. factory marks beneath the bases.

Origin:
France, Saint-Denis near Paris.

Period:
Circa 1900, Art Nouveau.

Dimensions:
Height of each vase: 39.5 cm.

Weight:
Total weight of the pair: 3.58 kg.

Condition:
Age-related wear, light surface scratches and some rubbing to the gilding and enamel decoration. Both vases are shown from multiple angles in the photographs.