Glass 'junk' identified as early Gallé vase

AN EARLY vase by Art Nouveau pioneer Émile Gallé has been saved from almost certain doom after it was identified by an antiques valuer and auctioneer from the Cotswolds.

The vase, which was perched precariously on top of a pile of junk, was spotted by eagle-eyed Piers Critchlow during a house clearance.

"The vendor was clearing some furniture, which she thought might have some value," said Piers. "The vase was precariously balanced, unwrapped, on top of a pile of other household objects. The vendor didn't know what she had."

Piers’ attention was drawn to the vase by its enamelled decoration of crickets and its gilded and enamelled handles.

A signature to the bottom of the vase confirmed it was crafted by Émile Gallé.

Émile Gallé was born in 1846, and learned glassmaking at Meisenthal, home to the Centre International d’Art Verrier – the international centre for studio glass – and famous for its glass Christmas decorations.

His early work was executed from his studio in Nancy using clear glass decorated with enamel.

His style, with its emphasis on naturalism and floral motifs, was at the forefront of the emerging Art Nouveau movement.

He died in 1904, aged 58.

The vase is expected to achieve between £500 and £800 when it goes under the hammer at Moore Allen & Innocent's selected antiques sale on Friday, July 20.

The auctioneers are inviting submissions of good quality antiques, paintings, books, and vintage wines and spirits for the auction.

For more information, visit mooreallen.co.uk