Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Best known to collectors for their magnificent Marmoriertes and Phänomen glass creations, the Loetz Glass company was a leading Art Nouveau producer of fine glass vases, bowls and other decorative objects through the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.
Shortly before his death in 1855, attorney Frank Gerstner transferred sole ownership of his glassworks company to his wife Susanne. The company, which was founded in what is now the Czech Republic in 1836 by Johann Eisner, was renamed Johann Loetz Witwe by Susanne Gerstner as a tribute to her late husband who preceded Gerstner, a glassmaker named Johann Loetz (Loetz was also known as Johann Lötz).
For 20 years, Gerstner led the company, expanding its manufacturing and distribution capacity. It proved profitable, but the glassworks' popularity didn't start gaining significant momentum until after Gerstner transferred sole ownership to her grandson Maximilian von Spaun in 1879.
Von Spaun and designer Eduard Prochaska developed innovative techniques and solutions for reproducing historical styles of decorative glass objects, such as the very popular marbled Marmoriertes glass — a technique that lends glass an appearance that is similar to semi-precious stones such as onyx or malachite. Under von Spaun’s leadership, the firm’s works garnered them success in Brussels, Vienna and Munich, and Johann Loetz Witwe won awards at the Paris World Exposition in 1889. In 1897 von Spaun first saw Favrile glass in Bohemia and Vienna.
The work in Favrile glass, a type of iridescent art glass that had recently been developed and patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany, founder of iconic American multimedia decorative-arts manufactory Tiffany Studios, inspired von Spaun to explore the era’s burgeoning Art Nouveau style — or, as the firm was established in a German-speaking region, the Jugendstil style.
The company partnered with designers Hans Bolek, Franz Hofstötter and Marie Kirschner and thrived until von Spaun passed it down to his son, Maximilian Robert.
With the Art Deco style taking shape around the world, the company was unable or unwilling to adapt to change. Loetz Glass collaborated with influential names in architecture and design, including the likes of Josef Hoffmann, a central figure in the evolution of modern design and a founder of the Vienna Secession. Unfortunately, the glassworks’ partnerships did them little good, and the company’s mounting financial problems proved difficult to navigate. Two World Wars and several major fires at the glassworks took their toll on the firm, and in 1947 the Loetz Glass Company closed its doors for good.
Today the exquisite glass produced by Loetz Glass Company remains prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
On 1stDibs, find antique Loetz Glass Company glassware, decorative objects and lighting.
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Bronze
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Silver
1920s European Art Deco Vintage Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Silver
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
19th Century Czech Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
1890s Czech Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Silver
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
1890s Czech Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Silver
1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
20th Century Czech Bohemian Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Silver
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
1880s Czech Late Victorian Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
20th Century Czech Bohemian Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 20th Century Austrian Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Blown Glass, Art Glass
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Blown Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass
Late 19th Century Czech Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Art Glass
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Silver Plate, Pewter
20th Century Austrian Art Deco Loetz Glass Vases and Vessels
Glass, Art Glass
Loetz Glass vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Loetz Glass
- How do I identify my Loetz vase?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify your Loetz vase, start with its markings. Loetz used dozens of markings over the years, and because the maker changed its hallmarks frequently, you can often use them to figure out approximately when your piece was made. Compare the marks on the bottom of your vase to images found on trusted online resources to begin this process. Color can also help make an identification, as Loetz offered different pieces in various hues at different times, something you can explore through trusted online resources. If you prefer not to research on your own or run into any issues, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you. Shop a diverse assortment of Loetz glass vases on 1stDibs.
- Are Loetz vases signed?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A few are, but most aren’t. Between 1880 and 1940, according to scholars, there doesn’t seem to have been clearly defined rules around when glassware needed a mark or name and how they should be applied. A variety of marks were used, if inconsistently, including marks that had elements of the von Spaun family coat of arms and the more common, but still rare, “Loetz Austria” mark used by the factory. Shop a selection of Loetz vases from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is all Loetz glass signed?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, most Loetz glass is not signed. As a result, collectors must use the color, shape and style of glassware to identify it. A licensed appraiser can help you determine the authenticity of glassware that you believe to be Loetz. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Loetz glass decorative objects and serveware.
- How do you identify Loetz glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024To identify Loetz glass, check to see if there is a maker's mark on the bottom or interior. Some items will feature a marking, such as crossed arrows or the maker's name. Loetz changed its marks many times, so markings can also be useful for dating the maker's glassware. However, many Loetz pieces are unmarked, often making it necessary to use color, shape and style to make a positive identification. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide expert assistance when attempting to identify unmarked Loetz glassware. Explore a wide range of Loetz glass on 1stDibs.