Vase, “Syrinus” Decoration

• Design: Koloman Moser (1868‒1918)
• Execution: Joh. Lötz Witwe on behalf of E. Bakalowits & Söhne
• c. 1900
• Overlaid glass, decor: “Phänomen Gré”*
• Leopold Museum, Vienna

Koloman Moser, as a designer of glassware, was in close collaboration with Vienna’s manufacturers and producers. He had close ties with E. Bakalowits & Söhne, a high-end manufacturer, and worked with major glass foundries of Bohemia to produce designs of exquisite quality. This sphere-shaped vase is remarkable in its simple geometric form and intense colors. It exemplifies Moser’s particular aesthetics that combine nature-inspired patterns with simple, basic design.

*Phänomen Gré is a technique that creates certain patterns or color in glassware by applying heat or chemicals. It was developed in Bohemia’s glass foundries who were in close collaboration with Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser.