THE ITEM
This superbly preserved work of stunning iridescent crystal glass is by glass designer Karl Wiedmann.
Wiedmann perfected the Myra technique of iridising glass through the incorporation of silver and metallic salts into the crafting process. Based on the same techniques used by Tiffany and Loetz and involves adding silver nitrate instead of lead to create the crystal. The silver gives the glass a rich translucent amber color, but more importantly, it comes to the surface when reduced in the oven. During the moments of when the glass is covered in the thin layer of silver, it is etched with iridescent metal salts to result in the matte yet iridescent bluish-green golden lustre. When lit, not only does the surface of the glass show off its multiple variations of colour but the internal glass glows with a warm, honey amber.
Myra glass was launched in 1926 and was produced for around 10 years after, the ceasing of Myra glass as well as many other types of art glass was as a result of geopolitical influences around that time.
This particular piece is particularly rare due to its shape and an early work that marked by characteristics of the undulated double handles and the bluish-green golden lustred matte finish colouring.
CONDITION
Superb. There are no chips or cracks to the glass, there are minute scratches and use wear present of which is commensurate with the age of the piece - please refer to photos as part of condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.9" / 10 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 4.7" / 12 cm in diameter (across body's widest point. Base diameter: c. 2" / 5 cm
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.3 kg / 281 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
WMF was originally called Metallwarenfabrik Straub & Schweizer and was opened as a metal repairing workshop. They began making glass inserts for metal-ware in 1883 and by 1900, they were the world's largest producer and exporter of household metalware, mainly in the 'Jugendstil', or Art Nouveau style. Works were designed under Albert Mayer, sculptor and designer and also director from 1884 to 1914.
Hugo Debach became director of the company in 1904, and when the original 1883 glass house was destroyed during the First World War he had a new glassworks built, which opened in 1922.
Production of glass inserts for metal goods continued as before, but the company employed designers to develop new techniques, and Karl Wiedmann developed Myra-Kristall with its beautiful iridized surface.
This was launched in 1926 along with Ikora-Kristall, with its coloured inlays and patterns of bubbles. Both types of glass were very successful and continued in production for about ten years, until production of art glass virtually ceased in Germany prior to the War.
Although WMF continued in glass-making after the war and their work was popular, sadly the company closed down its glass-making operation in 1982.