Vase with orchid branches

This piece is one of the most extraordinary works made by Émile Gallé (1846–1904) among a number held by the Museum of Applied Arts. This impressively sized, oval cross-sectioned vase has the shape of an inverted truncated cone, which resembles the chalice of a flower. Almost glowing in amber hues, this is an exquisitel crafted creation, with the lower layer of glass – dappled in yellowish, opaline, cloud-like patches – particularly impressive in its refinement. The masterpiece faithfully evokes the structure of a living orchid, the outline and texture of its velvety petals, and the tiniest details in the taut surfaces of the leaves, right down to their parallel veins. Gallé studied the floral world with intense, scientific rigour and often based his works on botanical drawings so the original “models” of the flowers and plants can be recognised precisely in his creations. This vase with orchids reflects the fashion for orientalism at the time. In Chinese art, the orchid is a symbol of rare beauty, of love and desire, of full-blown allure, of tenderness, culture and sophistication.
by: Gabriella Balla