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 Johann Lötz Witwe glass on 1stDibs.
20th Century Iriscident Loetz Witwe Glass Vase Creta Papillon, Bohemia, ca 1902
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional early 20th century Loetz Witwe glass vase out of the famous workshops in Klostermuehle/ Bohemia from the period around 1902. This artfully, extraordinary shaped small Art...
Blown Glass
Loetz Witwe Glass Vase "Cytisus Yellow" with Silver Overlay, CZ circa 1902
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Very rare Loetz Witwe glass vase, decor "Cytisus Yellow" with silver overlay from the early 20th century in Bohemia around 1902. The dreamlike Cytisus decor is definitley amongst the...
Silver
Koloman Moser Art Nouveau Glass Pitcher by Loetz Witwe, Bohemia, 1900s
By Koloman Moser, Johann Lötz Witwe, Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mouth blown Art Nouveau / Jugendstil glass pitcher, dated around 1900, designed by Vienna Secessionist Kolo Moser. This lovely jug is handmade of clear crystal glass and ...
Crystal
Art Nouveau Glass Vase by Loetz Witwe - Decor Medici Pink Iridescent, CZ, 1902
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding Loetz Witwe glass vase in decor "Medici Pink" from the world famous workshops in Klostermuehle/ Bohemia around 1902. This highly iriscident vase is a perfect example of L...
Blown Glass
Blue Loetz Witwe Glass Bowl - Decor Papillon Iriscident, Bohemia, circa 1936
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional blue glass bowl with handles from the world renown bohemian glass art manufactory of Johann Loetz Witwe circa 1936, decor Papillon variation, design attributed to the fam...
Blown Glass
Glass Vase Loetz Tricolore Decoration Blue Green Red Yellow Austrian Jugendstil
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Vase manufactured by Johann Loetz Witwe Tricolore decoration ca. 1900 Austrian Jugendstil glass mould-blown reduced and iridescent Rainbow Colors Blue Red Green Yellow This group ...
Glass
Vase Loetz Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Phaenomen Genre 6893 c.1900
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Vienna, AT
Vase Loetz (Lötz) Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Made by Loetz, Klostermuehle (Bohemia), circa 1899-1900 Decor: RUBY PHAENOMEN GENRE 6893 It is a most remarkable as wel...
Glass
Austrian Jugendstil Glass Vase Tricolore Decoration with Metal Mount circa 1900
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Glass vase manufactured by Johann Loetz Witwe Tricolore decoration tin metal mounting designed by Bitter & Gobbers ca. 1900 Austrian Jugendstil gilt mould-blown reduced and iridescen...
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
Vase Loetz Widow Art Nouveau Phaenomen Gre Silver Overlay, circa 1900
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Vase Loetz Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Made by Loetz, Klostermühle circa 1900 Decor: PHAENOMEN GRE & Gorgeous Silver Overlay This finest Loetz Art Nouveau ...
Silver
Vase Loetz Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Lemon Yellow Cytisus
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Vase Loetz (Lötz) Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Made by Loetz, Klostermuehle (Bohemia), circa 1902 Decor: Lemon Yellow Cytisus It is a very interesting Loetz Art N...
Glass
Loetz Silberiris Candia Iridescent Twin Handled Glass Vase
By Loetz Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Stylish Bohemian Silberiris Candia iridescent glass vase with brown handles by Johann Loetz Witwe and dating from around 1900. The simply shaped vase ref PN 85/5151 in the Loetz cata...
Blown Glass
$5,512
H 8.07 in Dm 5.51 in
Vase Loetz Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Phaenomen Genre 6893 c.1900
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Vienna, AT
Vase Loetz (Lötz) Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Made by Loetz, Klostermuehle (Bohemia), circa 1899-1900 Decor: RUBY PHAENOMEN GENRE 6893 It is a most remarkable as wel...
Glass
Bohemia Loetz Art Nouveau Twisted Dephi Glass Vase 1899
By Loetz Glass
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A large Loetz Delphi pattern vase in green with a bulbus near spherical top with a large opening over a round base with a typical Loetz twist to the body. Finely iridised a classic L...
Art Glass
$2,636
H 9.45 in Dm 3.94 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Vase, Decor Cobalt Papillon, Austria-Hungary, Circa 1899
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Bohemian Art Nouveau glass vase: Mould blown into a slender, slightly bulbous vase body with a flush base, indented four times on the sides to form a four-sided cross-section, short grooved neck with a wide flared rim, with a ground and polished pontil. Form: Series I Prod. no. PN 7869, year 1899 (new: 105, year 1900) Decor: Cobalt Papillon Cobalt blue underlaid, colorless glass with rolled-in silver yellow crumbs, model-blown and formed, reduced and iridescent. Vase manufactured by Loetz Widow, Klostermühle, Bohemia Dating of manufacture: 1899 Size: Height: 24,0 cm / 9.44 in Diameter: 10,0 cm / 3.93 in Bibliography: - LÖTZ, Böhmisches Glas / Bohemian Glass 1880-1940, Band 1 / Part 1, Work Monograph, Prestel-Verlag, Munich, 1989, page 91, nr. 50 Tulip...
Glass
American Brilliant Cut Glass Pitcher, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
American brilliant cut glass pitcher, circa 1900.
Cut Glass
$4,134
H 5.36 in Dm 10.04 in
Large Loetz Art Nouveau Bowl, Decor Crete Papillon, Bohemia Austria-Hungary 1899
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Bohemian Art Nouveau Glass Item: Mould blown, wide bowl on a stand ring, eightfold ribbed, outwardly curved wall with humped protuberances, tamed by a smooth, slightly outward...
Glass
$4,553
H 6.82 in Dm 3.27 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Vase, Phenomen Genre 3/430 Metallic Red, Austria-Hungary, 1904
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Mould blown baluster-shaped body with narrowing in the lower section, flared rim above a slight constriction, standing on a flush round base, ground and polished pontil. Form: Serie...
Glass
$5,272
H 5.12 in Dm 5.71 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Vase PG Ruby 6893 Pressed 3 Times, Wavy Rim, Bohemia, Ca 1899
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Bohemian Art Nouveau Glass Vase: Blown into form globular body with three large indentations all round, a short, funnel-shaped, flared neck with a 16-lobed rim; on a flush sta...
Glass
$1,677
H 7.29 in Dm 3.94 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Tango Vase Execution 165 Blue-Violet, Austria-Hungary, 1916
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Model-blown body, trumpet-shaped with flared rim, constriction in the lower section, melted nodus and outwardly curved base, the object is divided into two colour areas by a wavy lin...
Glass
19th Century Loetz Glass Vase Crete Papillon by Koloman Moser, CZ circa 1899
By Koloman Moser, Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Stunning Loetz glass vase by Koloman Moser for E. Bakalowits made in Klostermuehle/ Bohemia, circa 1899. This rare Bohemian glass vase was designed by none other than world-famous Au...
Blown Glass
Koloman Moser Johann Loetz Witwe Streifen und Flecken decoration ca 1902
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Koloman Moser (decoration), Johann Loetz Witwe, Streifen und Flecken decoration, ca. 1902 glass, mould-blown and freeform, reduced and iridescent
Blown Glass
Vase Johann Loetz Witwe with metal mounting Argentor decoration ca. 1902
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Vase with metal mounting, Johann Loetz Witwe, unidentified decoration, mounting Argentor-Werke Rust & Hetzel Wien, ca. 1902 marked with company stamp “D” on the metal mount (gold fi...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 10.83 in Dm 5.91 in
Art nouveau vase Johann Loetz Witwe unidentified decoration ca. 1901 signed
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
signiert "Loetz/Austria"
Glass
Sold
H 5.12 in W 6.5 in D 5.52 in
Mouth Blown Glass Vase Loetz Austrian Jugendstil circa 1899 Blue Silver Yellow
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Glass vase manufactured by Johann Loetz Witwe PG 7767 decoration ca. 1899 Austrian Jugendstil mould-blown reduced and iridescent colors blue silver yelllow gold shimmer At Loetz, ...
Glass
Sold
H 10.44 in Dm 7.09 in
Glass Vase Tin Mounting Gilt Loetz Austrian Jugendstil Rainbow Colors circa 1900
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Glass vase manufactured by Johann Loetz Witwe Tricolore decoration tin metal mounting designed by Bitter & Gobbers ca. 1900 Austrian Jugendstil gilt mould-blown reduced and iridescen...
Glass
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H 14.18 in Dm 3.94 in
Glass Vase Loetz Medici Decoration circa 1902 Rainbow Colors Austrian Jugendstil
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Vase manufactured by Johann Loetz Witwe Medici blue opal decoration ca. 1902 Austrian Jugendstil glass mould-blown reduced and iridescent Rainbow Colors The decor "Phenomen Genre ...
Glass
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H 9.5 in Dm 5.1 in
Loetz Witwe Glass Vase Decor "Neptun" Art Nouveau Glass Art, Bohemia, circa 1902
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Gorgeous Loetz Witwe Glass Vase showing the famous Neptun decoration, a fantastic design with characteristic vertical branched 'seaweed' pattern...
Blown Glass
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H 9.3 in Dm 4.3 in
20th Century Loetz Witwe Glass Vase with Feather Decor Iriscident, CZ circa 1905
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary 20th century Iriscident glass vase by Loetz Witwe with unique feather decor. This beautiful piece of glass art comes from the famous Bohemi...
Blown Glass
Loetz Witwe Glass Goblin "Cobalt Silberiris" Iriscident, Bohemia, circa 1899
By Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Gorgeous Loetz Witwe glass goblin in decoration "Cobalt Silberiris" from the famous workshops in Klostermuehle/Bohemia from circa 1899, a real gem of Bohem...
Blown Glass
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H 3.9 in Dm 2.4 in
Loetz Glass Vase PG 358 by Hans Hofstoetter for Paris World Expo, Bohemia, 1900
By Franz Hofstotter, Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolutely rare Loetz Witwe glass vase designed by Hans Hofstoetter for the Paris World Expo in 1900. The vases for the Paris World Exhibition are among the most sought-after pieces ...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 7.3 in Dm 4.7 in
Loetz Glass Vase "Crete Papillon" by Koloman Moser for E. Bakalowits, circa 1899
By Johann Lötz Witwe, Koloman Moser
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Stunning Loetz glass vase by Koloman Moser for E. Bakalowits made in Klostermuehle/ Bohemia, circa 1899. This rare Bohemian glass vase was designed by none other than world-famous Au...
Blown Glass