Johann Loetz Witwe – Ausfuehrung 134 with applied Cobalt Papillon snake 1914 - 1918

Johann Loetz (Lötz) Witwe Klostermühle

Glass
13 cm, ø 21 cm
ConditionExcellent
Price on request

Antiques Emporium

• About the artwork
  This remarkable bowl was created by Johann Loetz Witwe and dates back to the early 20th century. With a generous body diameter of 21 cm (8.27 inches) and a height of 13.5 cm (5.31 inches), this is an impressive decorative object that reflects the transition from the Art Nouveau to the Art Deco era.
  
  The bowl is crafted in Ausführung 134, a technique introduced in 1914, at the onset of the First World War. This execution is based on the Titania technique, developed in 1905 as a response to the waning interest in iridescent glass. With Titania, Loetz introduced a new aesthetic by layering metallized glass threads over a base-colored glass and finishing it with a transparent glass coating. This process created a mysterious play of colors and a unique depth effect, giving the glasswork a refined and captivating appearance.
  
  In terms of color, the bowl features a stunning light blue base, combined with a deep blue-gray Titania layer. Unfortunately, photographs often fail to capture the true colors and nuances of the bowl, slightly understating its enchanting depth and play of colors.
  
  A distinctive feature of this bowl is the applied snake, crafted from cobalt blue glass. The graceful snake lies elegantly across the bowl, with carefully formed details such as a hand-shaped head and applied glass eyes. Additionally, the upper rim of the bowl is accentuated with a cobalt blue glass thread, further enhancing its refined appearance.
  
  As is customary for Loetz glass after 1902, the bowl is unsigned. After the First World War, Loetz introduced a new etched mark, “CZECHO-SLOVAKIA,” for their glassware, but this does not apply to this piece.
  
  This bowl combines artistic innovation and historical significance, making it a valuable object for both Art Nouveau enthusiasts and Loetz glass collectors.
• About the artist

  Lötz/Loetz was founded by Johann Lötz in 1840 and was a company based in Bohemia, in the Czech Republic, at the time Lötz belonged to the Empire of Austria-Hungary. In 1879, a grandson of Lötz, Max Ritter-Von Spaun, took over the business from his grandmother and kept the name Joh. Lötz Witwe.

  From that moment on, Johann Lötz Witwe really started to make a name for itself, they developed new innovative glass techniques, but their design and bright colors were also completely innovative. They designed special shapes and vases, luxury items, which they sold in luxury shops in Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, London, Milan, Brussels and Madrid. It soon made them very well known and famous.

  It was the period that Art Nouveau or as it was called in Germany Jugendstil flourished. They used organic shapes, nature was their example, also for Lötz, they developed beautiful decors, resembling butterfly wings, such as the papillon decor of this vase, often the shapes were formed organically by using tongs to shape the hot glass unevenly , as also flowers are formed. But also an octopus or sea shells were taken as examples for their special vases and decors.

  Lötz participated in all kinds of World Exhibitions, including the famous World Exhibition of 1900 in Paris where they won the Grand Prize. They were awarded numerous prizes for participation in World Exhibitions. Max Ritter von Spaun also received special awards for his contribution to the glass industry, in 1883 he was allowed to use the Imperial eagle in their shield and seal, they were also allowed to use K.K. Put Private Glass Factory in front of their name. In 1889 he also received a knighthood from Franz Josef. But other royal houses were also involved. He received the Belgian Order of Leopold and the honorable French Legion d'Honneur.

  Their designs were popular, also in the United States. Tiffany worked with Lötz on the Favril set. Lötz patented some of their special techniques, such as the one they used to make the Phänomen decor. They were able to make iridescent glass. In short, Lötz had become a household name. And it still is.

  Lötz also worked closely with other glass manufacturers such as J.&L. Lobmeyer and E. Bakolowits Söhne in Vienna and with Argentor. In addition, Lötz worked closely with various artists, such as Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Franz Hofstötter, Michael Powolny and other artists from the Wiener Werkstätte. Michael Powolny was responsible for the much tighter tango vases of the 1920s.

  The First World War and the end of the Austrian Empire meant a difficult period for Lötz.
  Lötz existed until 1940, after a bombing raid the factory was completely burnt down. After WWII, the Czech Republic belonged to the satellite states of the Soviet Union, the factory was nationalized until it was finally closed in 1947.

  Lötz glass is still very popular and is collected worldwide, in addition, their oeuvre can also be found in many museum collections.

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