What periods do these pieces come from?

The pieces seen here predominantly date from the early twentieth century, spanning the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras. You will encounter works originating from around nineteen hundred through to the nineteen thirties. This timeframe encompasses both the flowing organic curves typical of Edwardian and Art Nouveau design and the bolder, stylised geometries of later Art Deco production.

How do I identify Art Nouveau floral glass?

Art Nouveau examples generally feature naturalistic plant forms such as sweet peas, cornflowers, and hydrangeas executed in cameo glass or delicate blown forms. The lines are fluid and asymmetrical, reflecting the growth patterns of actual stems and petals. Look for soft, organic contours and signatures integrated smoothly into the overall botanical design rather than rigid geometric borders.

How were these vases used originally?

These vessels served both practical purposes as flower holders and decorative functions as table centrepieces and mantel ornaments. Many were designed specifically to complement the stems they depicted, such as banjo vases for long blooms. Larger bowls and epergnes acted as focal points for dining tables, holding floral arrangements while standing alone as works of art.

What is opalescent glass?

Opalescent glass is a milky, semi-translucent material that catches ambient light and shifts in tone depending on the angle of view. Makers utilised this property to accentuate the curves of moulded flower heads and leaves. This optical quality gives the glass a glowing, ethereal depth that standard clear or opaque glass does not achieve.