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a yellow vase with a black and brown design on ita glass vase with a picture of two angels on ita glass vase that is sitting on a tablea glass vase that has a black stripe on ita green vase with a drawing on ita vase with a white bird on it sitting on a tablea close up of a vase with a bird on it ' s heada brown and black vase sitting on a white surfacea glass vase with a brown and black design on itan image of a green vase on a white surfacea hand holding a glass vase with a picture of an angel on ita brown vase with a white flower on ita fork in a bowl of green liquid with a sticker on ita glass vase with a flower on it on a white backgrounda glass vase with an elephant on it on a white backgrounda yellow vase with a black handle sitting on a white surfacea glass vase with a brown and black design on ita glass vase with a flower on it on a white backgroundan old black and white photo of a glass vase with flowers in itthe back of an old book with a black and white image of a horse
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43 - GALLÉ, Émile (1846–1904)
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Estimate €3,000 - €6,000
Sale commission
Description
GALLÉ, Émile (1846–1904) “To pluck the snowflake, or the Angsoka flower? Théophile Gautier” A rare piece of ‘speaking’ glasswork featuring glass marquetry. A pedestal vase bearing a line from Théophile Gautier’s poem ‘L’Île inconnue’, which was later set to music by Hector Berlioz. Significant internal cracks, undoubtedly caused during the cooling of the piece. Signed ‘Gallé’ in gold within the decoration. Engraved beneath the base with ‘Exposition 1900’ in gold. Height: 19.5 cm Maximum width: 11 cm This work perfectly illustrates the poetic and symbolist world of Émile Gallé, for whom nature, literature and dreams were constant sources of inspiration. Passionate about contemporary poetry, the artist did not hesitate to inscribe selected verses on his creations, transforming the work of art into a true medium for literary contemplation. The quotation ‘To pluck the snow flower, or the Angsoka flower’ is taken from Théophile Gautier’s poem *L’Île inconnue* (or *Barcarolle*), published in the collection *La Comédie de la Mort* in 1838. In this poetic dialogue, a sailor invites a young woman to set off for distant and wondrous lands, evoking in turn the northern seas, Java and the Orient. The ‘snow flower’ symbolises northern landscapes, whilst the ‘Angsoka flower’—a sacred Indian tree with flamboyant blossoms—embodies exoticism, beauty and love. Yet the young woman rejects these fabulous destinations in favour of seeking an even more elusive place: ‘the faithful shore where love endures’, to which the poet replies wistfully that it is unknown ‘in the land of love’. Through this literary reference, Gallé moves beyond the mere decorative representation of nature to imbue it with an allegorical dimension. The theme of travel, the quest for an unattainable ideal and the escape to dreamt-of horizons is fully in keeping with the Symbolist concerns of the late 19th century. Presented at the 1900 World’s Fair, this work also bears witness to the fascination with foreign lands and distant cultures that characterised the era, whilst revealing Gallé’s extraordinary ability to unite the art of glassmaking, poetry and philosophy within a single creation. Bibliography (comparable example of ‘speaking glasswork’): François-Thérèse Charpentier, *Gallé*, New York, Harry N. Abrams, 1988, pp. 183–184. Provenance: Private Art Nouveau / Art Deco collection – Geneva This lot will be automatically transferred to the Drouot storage facility following the sale. No exceptions will be made, except for collection on the evening of the sale before 6.15 pm. Any storage and handling charges will be payable by the buyer in accordance with the current rates. This lot is presented under the temporary importation regime from Switzerland. Import VAT at the rate of 5.5% is included in the buyer’s fees (33.5%). No additional charge will be made in this respect.
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About the sale Art Nouveau / Art Deco Collection – Gallé and Daum glassware, paintings, furniture
Auction location
Auction time 10/06/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures modified on 09/25/2026 at 12:03 PM
Lot description modified on 09/25/2026 at 12:03 PM
Pictures credits:
Margaux Serrano Auction House
See original version (French)
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