Vase Michael Powolny Loetz Opal mit weissen Streifen decoration 1918/19

Crystal glass vase, designed by Michael Powolny, manufactured by Johann Loetz Witwe, commissioner J. & L. Lobmeyr, crystal with Opal und weiße Streifen decoration, 1918/19

This elegant object of the Loetz glassworks was produced immediately after the First World War, in the years 1918- 1919. Although stylistic as well as technical recourse to past techniques and shapes is not an isolated case in the production of the Loetz company, the period after the First World War was particularly characterized by it. An excellent example of such a return to (old) Venetian traditions is this glass vase designed by Michael Powolny.

The reason why the traditional Austrian company J. & L. Lobmeyr, the commissioner of this vase, relied primarily on designs by outstanding artistic personalities such as Powolny is obvious. The successful designer and sculptor knew how to interpret the classical Italian glass tradition and transfer it into new times, making fruitful use of the highest level of craftsmanship. The masterfully executed play of the vertically ribbed glass in combination with the horizontally drawn white stripes on the filigree crystal glass is striking.

Bib.: E. Ploil, H. Ricke e.a. (ed.), „Loetz – Böhmisches Glas 1880-1940“, vol. II, Musterschnitte, Prestel, Munich 1989, paper pattern 930, p. 238.