Were these vases used for fresh flowers?

Many of these vessels served as functional table ornaments designed to hold fresh blooms in domestic settings. Mid nineteenth century bulb vases specifically accommodated single stems or bulbs forcing roots in water. Larger Art Nouveau and cameo pieces functioned equally well as decorative display objects without contents. The presence of interior water staining often confirms historical use as a container for floral arrangements.

How can I tell Art Nouveau from Victorian pieces?

Victorian examples tend towards symmetrical forms, vivid colours like cranberry, and precise enamel painting or engraved botanical scenes. The aesthetic prioritises structured ornamentation and traditional silhouettes. Art Nouveau pieces embrace asymmetrical, flowing lines inspired directly by natural plant stems and insect wings. The glass often incorporates iridescent finishes, organic bulbous shapes, and cameo layers depicting specific flowers.

What is the difference between signed and unsigned glass?

Signed pieces bear the etched, enamelled, or moulded mark of a known maker or studio such as Gallé or Daum. These signatures confirm the specific origin and elevate the collectable status within that maker's output. Unsigned pieces represent the broader commercial output of period factories and independent workshops across Europe. They display the same technical skill and artistic styles of the era without bearing an artisan stamp.