Best known to collectors for their magnificent Marmoriertes and Phänomen glass creations, the Loetz Glass company was a leading Art Nouveau producer of fine glass vases, bowls and other decorative objects through the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.
Shortly before his death in 1855, attorney Frank Gerstner transferred sole ownership of his glassworks company to his wife Susanne. The company, which was founded in what is now the Czech Republic in 1836 by Johann Eisner, was renamed Johann Loetz Witwe by Susanne Gerstner as a tribute to her late husband who preceded Gerstner, a glassmaker named Johann Loetz (Loetz was also known as Johann Lötz).
For 20 years, Gerstner led the company, expanding its manufacturing and distribution capacity. It proved profitable, but the glassworks' popularity didn't start gaining significant momentum until after Gerstner transferred sole ownership to her grandson Maximilian von Spaun in 1879.
Von Spaun and designer Eduard Prochaska developed innovative techniques and solutions for reproducing historical styles of decorative glass objects, such as the very popular marbled Marmoriertes glass — a technique that lends glass an appearance that is similar to semi-precious stones such as onyx or malachite. Under von Spaun’s leadership, the firm’s works garnered them success in Brussels, Vienna and Munich, and Johann Loetz Witwe won awards at the Paris World Exposition in 1889. In 1897 von Spaun first saw Favrile glass in Bohemia and Vienna.
The work in Favrile glass, a type of iridescent art glass that had recently been developed and patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany, founder of iconic American multimedia decorative-arts manufactory Tiffany Studios, inspired von Spaun to explore the era’s burgeoning Art Nouveau style — or, as the firm was established in a German-speaking region, the Jugendstil style.
The company partnered with designers Hans Bolek, Franz Hofstötter and Marie Kirschner and thrived until von Spaun passed it down to his son, Maximilian Robert.
With the Art Deco style taking shape around the world, the company was unable or unwilling to adapt to change. Loetz Glass collaborated with influential names in architecture and design, including the likes of Josef Hoffmann, a central figure in the evolution of modern design and a founder of the Vienna Secession. Unfortunately, the glassworks’ partnerships did them little good, and the company’s mounting financial problems proved difficult to navigate. Two World Wars and several major fires at the glassworks took their toll on the firm, and in 1947 the Loetz Glass Company closed its doors for good.
Today the exquisite glass produced by Loetz Glass Company remains prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
On 1stDibs, find antique Loetz Glass Company glassware, decorative objects and lighting.
| Average Sold Price |
| $2,560 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
Pair of Loetz Glass and Wrought Iron Vases 1920s
By Loetz Glass
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of Loetz iridescent glass and wrought iron mesh vases, hand-blown in the 1920s Ø cm 10 h cm 23 Loetz is a name that immediately conjures up images of art glass of extraordinar...
Glass
$3,070
H 10.83 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Early 20th Century Mounted "Art Nouveau Vase with Bronze Mounts" by Loetz
By Loetz Glass
Located in London, GB
An elegant Johann Loetz glass vase demonstrating a refined expression of early 20th-century decorative artistry, combining luminous surface effects with sophisticated metalwork. The ...
Bronze
Loetz Art Nouveau vase whit Colered Details of Irradiated glass 1900s
By Loetz Glass
Located in Verviers, BE
Loetz Art Nouveau vase whit Colered Details of Irradiated glass 1900s Beautifully decorated whit Irradiated glass Rare to find with original condition The piece is in good conditio...
Art Glass
$1,130Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.28 in Dm 6.89 in
Bohemian Loetz Red Tango Glass Vase w. Black Accents by Michael Powolny
By Loetz Glass, Michael Powolny
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique Art Nouveau art glass vase by Michael Powolny for Loetz is an impressive and highly sought-after art piece from the early 20th cen...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Loetz Green Glass Vase with Alvin Sterling Silver Overlay
By Loetz Glass
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality Art Nouveau style art glass vase, by Loetz the historic glass maker from the municipality of Austria featuring Alvin Sterling Silver overlay. Overlay in form of open and horizontal patterns with stylized leaves and scrollwork. A great find, handcrafted vase skillfully made using centuries old techniques of art glass works from the world-renowned maker, Loetz. Simply stunning this Art Nouveau glass vase with Alvin Sterling Silver overlay by Loetz would enhance any shelf, table, nightstand or countertop. This is a rare antique Loetz Green Glass...
Sterling Silver
$5,558Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.57 in Dm 5.71 in
Loetz Vase Art Nouveau Secessionist Art Glass Phaenomen 6893 Antique Lötz
By Loetz Glass
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Antique Art Nouveau chalice shaped art glass vase created by the Loetz glassworks company, which was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this vase represents a prime example of their artistic mastery. The vase features a cobalt blue ground that adds depth and richness to its overall appearance. Its surface showcases a captivating iridescent wave pattern, which adds a mesmerizing shimmer and dynamic quality to the glass. This iridescence is a hallmark of Loetz glassware and is achieved through the application of special techniques during the glassblowing process. The chalice-form of the vase gives it an elegant and graceful silhouette. This design creates a harmonious balance between the visually striking upper portion and the sturdy base. Loetz glasswares are renowned for their exceptional artistry and their ability to capture and play with light. The Phaenomen Genre 6893 vase, with its dark blue color and iridescent wave pattern, is no exception. When light interacts with the glass, it reveals a captivating range of colors and reflections, making it a visually stunning and attention-grabbing piece. As an antique Loetz glass vase...
Luster, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Loetz Art Nouveau Iridescent Oil Spot Vase with Bronze Frame
By Loetz Glass
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful Loetz Art Nouveau oil spot vase with an iridized finish in shades of green with highlights of blues, purples and golds as the light shifts. The...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau "Silvered Phänomen Vase" by Loetz Witwe
By Loetz Glass
Located in London, GB
This attractive Johann Loetz glass vase displays a classic baluster form with a gently flared rim, enriched by a vibrant iridescent surface in olive green and golden tones. The glas...
Silver
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $2,560 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $270-$10,205 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
