Vase c. 20th century

Curator: Standing before us is a remarkable glass vase, attributed to Lalique, likely from the 20th century. You'll find it in the decorative arts section. Editor: Well, isn’t that just ethereal? It has a hazy, dreamlike quality, almost like capturing moonlight in a jar. Curator: Precisely! It’s the frosted glass, isn't it? Lalique was quite innovative with his techniques. Notice the relief ornamentation— rows of tiny rosette-like dots cover the surface, and near the bottom, you’ll observe repeating figures, perhaps rams’ heads or some other horned creature. It all suggests delicacy, refinement...luxury! Editor: Those repeating figures, the rams – it makes me think about how industrial processes, like mold-making, allow the repetition of imagery and democratize access to fancy things... although perhaps not *this* particular vase! Do you know anything about the making? I'm curious how it could have been manufactured on a larger scale, if that was even attempted. Curator: Certainly. Lalique utilized both mass production and artisanal methods in his workshop. Some of these were press-molded or blown into molds. Given the period, it would have been a combination of skilled labor and the efficiency of the machine age – really embodying the changing dynamics between craftsmanship and industrial production. It’s interesting to think about art and labor in that way, isn’t it? It's really capturing a sense of an era. Editor: I'm captivated by this object now, how it encapsulates tension between handmade craft and mechanical production and all in the form of... a vase! That’s a pretty poetic expression for glass and a hot furnace. Curator: Absolutely, and it adds another layer to its allure. It becomes a vessel not just for flowers but for the ideas of its time, beautifully solidified in glass. Editor: I think I came to look at a simple thing that could hold flowers. Now I'm contemplating the complex relationship between material, production, and artistry of luxury in the modern world. What an adventure!