I recently acquired this special Daum Nancy box with applied and wheel-carved insects and cabochons. It's a very sophisticated box with multiple, labor-intensive, techniques utilized in its manufacture.

First the box cover and lid were formed by the gaffer, followed by layering with colored powders (for the leaves and background) in a technique called vitrification, making the lid, especially, look like the floor of the forest. This was followed by the application of colored metal foil to the surface beneath each insect and cabochon. Each piece of foil was then  covered with a dollop of clear molten glass. 

After cooling, the box was given to the carver, who hand-engraved the detail into the three insects and two cabochons. They appear to be colored because of the refraction of light coming from the colored foil underneath. They are actually clear glass. Finally he hand-engraved the signature on the underside. 

It's a gorgeous, important box, for the best collections. Nice size at 4½" square. Excellent condition.

There's so much going on in this wonderful Daum vase, I don't know where to begin, so here goes. First it's beautiful to look at, with the gorgeous color and detail of the berries and thorns. The extra layer of lavender glass below the purple adds opacity and contrast. The wheel-carved martelé texture toward the bottom is an extra flourish that nicely adds to the attractiveness of the vase. The vase is moderately large, 12" tall x 9" diameter and has a presence. Signed "DAUM NANCY FRANCE" together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Bleeding hearts are lovely flowers that I grow in my shade garden. They are depicted beautifully on this Daum Nancy miniature tumbler. The colors of the flowers contrast splendidly with the pinks, oranges and yellow mottling in the background. It's a really special example. 2" tall. Signed in cameo on the side "DAUM NANCY", together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

The collaboration between Daum and Majorelle produced some of the best Art Deco vases. This example has exceptional orange-red glass, filled with foil inclusions. The high Art Deco wrought-iron cage was made by Majorelle with what appear to be bronze florets. The result is really a beauty. 8½" tall and very heavy. Great signature "L. Majorelle Daum", together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Dutch Winter was a favorite motif of Daum. The decoration is available on a multitude of sizes and shapes. It is not rare, but it is uncommon and desirable. The artistry and color vary from example to example. This one has particularly nice color and detail.

I rarely know the provenance of anything I sell, but I do on this item. It is from The Glass Collection of King Frederik VIII of Denmark. You can't beat that. It measures 5¼" square and is signed in black enamel DAUM NANCY, plus the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Dutch Winter is a scene that Daum produced on many different shapes. This miniature vase, 1¾" tall, is a lovely example. The detail and color are exceptional and the bulbous shape is lovely, allowing a larger scene. Signed. Mint condition.

Fabulous! 24" tall. More details soon.

Martelé backgrounds in glass were meant to simulate hammered metal surfaces. Since glass can't be hammered, the effect had to be created by hand-carving each and every "dent". It makes for a beautiful effect on this lovely 7" Daum floral vase. Signed underneath with a fancy engraved and gilded signature. Mint condition.

The quality in this Daum vase is truly superior. There are four gorgeous gentian violet flowers (two on each side) on a pale blue mottled background.  Each flower was applied with molten glass and then hand-carved by a craftsman after the vase was cold. It's a technique used only on the best vases, as it was time-intensive and could only be done by the most skilled craftsmen. The effect is to make the flowers intensely colored and realistic. 8¾" tall. Engraved signature on the side. Mint condition.

Daum miniature tumblers don't come much nicer than this one.  Beautifully detailed, with gilded thistle flowers and the Cross of Lorraine.  Signed and dated 1906 -- very unusual to be dated.  This is the darker color of two examples I have for sale.  Signed.  Mint condition.

Daum mushroom vases are special and technically sophisticated because multiple techniques were used to produce them. First the vase was acid-cut. Then the mushrooms were wheel-carved to give them intricate detail. Finally they were hand-painted with glass enamel paints and fired. Mushroom vases are one of the very few Daum vases that are both wheel-carved and enameled.

Additionally this vase has a big bonus of two added handles. It's museum quality for the BEST collections. Very nice cabinet size at 6" tall. Partially effaced black enamel signature on the underside, "Daum Nancy" together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

When a flower has been padded and wheel-carved, it means that the flower was applied when the glass was molten. On cooling, the details were hand-carved by a master craftsman. This superb example shows the color and detail that can be achieved by these very difficult and sophisticated techniques. It's a little beauty. 5" tall. Signed "Daum Nancy" and the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Daum Peacock Feather vases are very sophisticated because of the difficult techniques used to produce them. Most of the work on the bowl is standard acid-etching, but not the centers of the feathers. The light blue and dark blue glass was applied when the glass was molten, then pressed into the bowl on the marver. The process is called padding, which makes for special vases. I only get one or two Peacock Feather items yearly and they sell very quickly. This example measures 3½" tall x 6¾" diameter. Mint condition.

Daum Peacock Feather vases are special as the two blue colors of the feather centers were applied with molten glass, a technique called padding. They were then pressed into the glass on a table called a marver. It's similar to the marquetry technique in glass. It was a difficult technique, so you know the quality is very high. And what's more Art Nouveau than peacock feathers?  This is a wonderful example.  Nice big size at 11¾" tall.  Signed.  Mint condition.

I don't know the biological name for these berries, but they must grow in the Nancy region of France, as Daum often used this decoration. The quality varies from example to example with this one being exceptional. The color, details and contrast are truly outstanding. 

Substantial size at 9½" tall x 6" diameter. Signed in cameo on the side of the vase "DAUM NANCY", together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Daum didn't produce many squares or rectangles, so the shape is moderately rare and quite desirable. This lovely example, 5½" tall, has vivid orange-red leaves on a yellow mottled background. It's signed in cameo on the side of the vase DAUM NANCY, together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Daum liked this particular red scene, so they produced it on a variety of shapes and sizes. This example has an elegant shape, in a perfect cabinet size, 8". The color is strong and the detail is superb. Signed in enamel on the side of the vase, DAUM NANCY, together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Daum Nancy scenic vases are always lovely, including this example with superior color and detail, especially in the trees and background. The blue and yellow mottling in the water give it a real 3-D quality. Signed in black enamel underneath, "DAUM NANCY", together with the Cross of Lorraine and the artist's initials "HP". Nice cabinet size at 6½". Mint condition.

Daum Impressionist vases are rare and desirable. This example has exceptionally strong and pretty colors, with white birch trees against a strongly colored background, shading from deep purple to bright green. The acid-etching is particularly sharp. Add a great footed shape, with a turned-in rim, to the mix and you have one really fine vase. Nice size at 7½" tall. Signed. Mint condition. (There are a few tiny open bubbles along the foot rim, original to the making, and only mentioned for accuracy.)

There are two basic types of Daum Nancy scenic vases  -- acid-etched only and acid-etched with enameling. There is a significant difference in appearance and quality, so I rarely buy vases that are only acid-etched.

This example is exactly what I look for -- a beautiful scene with incredible detail that can only be achieved by the addition of hand-painted and fired details. There is tremendous depth in this vase, with internal mottling for the clouds and water. It's just gorgeous and big, at 12" tall.

Signed in enamel on the underside, Daum Nancy, together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Daum produced many more floral vases than scenic vases, so it's nice to to be able to offer any scenic vase for sale. However, the quality varies quite a bit. Some Daum scenic vases are acid-etched only and lack the color and detail that was achieved by the combination of acid-etching and hand-painted enameling. This example is quite special with superb color and detail. At 15", it's a substantial vase. Black enamel signature on the foot, Daum Nancy and the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Daum made tumblers in several sizes, this example being the largest at 5" tall. The flower is sweetpea and its lovely pastel flowers are sweet. Acid-etched signature DAUM NANCY on the side, together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Tulips have always been desirable subject matter for Daum Nancy vases, mostly because they're so beautiful in nature. This vase uses multiple techniques to make for an especially lovely, colorful example.

The flowers are both acid-etched and hand-painted enameled, so the details are splendid. Additionally there is extensive gilding in the band above the mid-section, the top and bottom rims, and the details in the leaves. This additional technique raises the level of beauty and sophistication.

Hand-painted gilded signature on the underside "Daum Nancy" and the Cross of Lorraine. Very nice size at 7¾". Mint condition.

Violets are not very rare subject matter for Daum Nancy vases, but they are all desirable. One of the qualities that differentiates one example from another is the color. This example has intense color, making it special.

The tumbler shape is also desirable and comes in three sizes -- miniature (2"), mini (3½"), and full size (4¾"). This example is the mini. 

You would be hard pressed to find a finer example. Signed in cameo on the side DAUM NANCY FRANCE, together with the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition.

Winter scenics were very popular when they were new, so they're not rare. The good news is that they're equally popular today, so they're desirable. This 6" diameter pinched bowl is a lovely example, with excellent detail and great color. The shape is classically Daum, with pinched sides. Signed in black enamel on the side. Mint condition.

This is another fine example of Daum's miniature winter vases, in a moderately rare shape. 2" tall. Signed. Mint condition.

This is a particularly nice example of Daum's winter decoration, with excellent color and decoration. The shape is called a bucket salt and is very desirable. Signed. Mint condition.

Daum Nancy Winter vases are not rare as they were very popular when they were new. That popularity still exists today, making them very desirable.

This example is exceptional, with superb detail, color and contrast. The shape is elegant and rare. Daum Winter examples don't get much better. 

Perfect cabinet size at 8½" tall. Signed DAUM NANCY in black enamel on the underside, as well as the Cross of Lorraine. Mint condition. If you like Daum Winter vases, this vase is for you!

I've owned this wonderful box in a miniature version for salt before, but this is the first time I've had it in a larger size, 5½" in diameter.  On one side, done en grisaille, is one of Aesop's fables.  On the other side and the lid are matching acid-etched and enameled red flowers.  The knob at the top plus the rims and the very delicate applied handles are all gilded.  This is a rare and very beautiful box.  Signed.  Mint condition.

Daum did a series of covered salts and boxes with stories from Aesop's Fables on one side and flowers on the other side and lid.  All of them are rare and desirable.  Signed.  Mint condition.

Daum occasionally designed vases with stories from Aesop's Fables.  This little beauty illustrates one of the stories (I'm sorry, but I don't know which fable). The work on the fable side of the miniature egg holder is acid-etched and en grisaille painted. The floral decoration on the other side is acid-etched and enameled.  It's a rare, little beauty. 2" tall. Signed. Mint condition.

Lovely bowl-shaped vase with nicely detailed African violet flowers and leaves.  Acid-etched and enamel-painted.  2¾" tall x 4½" diameter.  Signed.  Mint condition.

Daum Nancy vases with applied and wheel-carved decoration are very sophisticated. The fruit were applied with molten glass and then hand-carved by a craftsman after the vase was cold. It's a technique used only on the best vases, as it was time-intensive and could only be done by highly skilled craftsmen. The fruit are slightly raised and very detailed, making them realistic. It's a honey of a vase. Nice big size at 13" tall. Signed in cameo on the side. Mint condition.

I was thrilled to acquire this special Daum Nancy vase with applied and wheel-carved acorns, insects and cabochon. It's a very sophisticated vase with multiple techniques, all labor-intensive. First the vase was formed by the gaffer, followed by layering with colored powders (for the leaves and background). This was followed by the application of colored foil to the surface, which was covered with clear molten glass. (Remember this was all done while the glass was hot.) On cooling, the cold vase was given to the carver, who hand-engraved the detail in the two acorns, one red insect, one green insect, and one gold cabochon. He also carved a martelé design into the background, to look like hammered copper. Finally he hand-engraved the signature along the foot rim. It's a gorgeous, important vase, for the best collections. Nice size at 7½" tall. Mint condition.

Vases with applications are rare.  Many of the red berries on this vase with beautiful color and workmanship are applied.  The shape is interesting with a pinched mouth.  It's rare and a beauty.  Nice size at 12".  Signed.  Mint condition.

Change your tune on this one! (That's what they used to say at auctions when a great item came to the block.) This killer Daum vase has pink and white daisy flowers with applied cabachon centers, each with gold foil underneath (two on the front and two on the back). The workmanship is amazing, with heavy, deep yellow, mottling in the background and a fuchsia and white ground below the flowers. Interesting shaped vase with a football-shaped mouth. It doesn't get much better than this. Great size at 12". Signed. Mint condition except for the tiniest nick on the inside of the rim. For the best collections!

Dragonflies are the essence of Art Nouveau and make any item of French cameo glass more important. Daum Nancy vases and boxes with applied and wheel-carved dragonflies are few and far between. I feel lucky when I'm able to acquire one. This box is a great example, with excellent color and detail, as well as a superbly hand-carved dragonfly. It's an important example for the best collections. 6" x 6". Engraved signature on the underside. Mint condition.

Daum Nancy vases with applied insects or cabochons are special as it required considerable workmanship. First colored foil was applied to the molten glass, which was then covered with molten clear glass. When the vase was cold, a craftsman wheel-carved the details into the insect and the cabochon. The result is a green bug with eyes and legs and a faceted red cabochon. Makes for a great little, 4¾", vase. Signed. Mint condition.

During the 1920s, Daum produced Art Deco design vases.  In collaboration with Majorelle (who produced the wrought-iron cages), Daum blew the glass.  The result is a wonderful, colorful vase with metal-foil inclusions in the glass.  Substantial at 9½" tall and bulbous.  Signed by both Daum and Majorelle.  Mint condition.

I don't often purchase Daum Art Deco vases, but I made an exception for this special beauty. The four orange flowers were hot-applied (padded), as well as the green stems, which are raised above the surface. When the vase was cold, a craftsman wheel-carved the intricate details into the flowers. They are offset against a beautifully textured and frosted background. 5" tall x 5" diameter. Impressive wheel-carved signature under the applied foot. Mint condition.

Daum styles changed dramatically by the time the 1920s rolled around. The Art Deco movement was in full swing. This model is illustrative of the Deco style. The body of the vase has controlled bubble work, while the handles, berries and vines are applied.  It's a killer vase, 4¼" tall x 6¼" across. Signed. Mint condition.

Bees are very rare and desirable decoration.  I've only had a few Daum items ever.  This is a beautiful diminutive box with highly detailed acid-etching and enameling with many bees on both the lid and the body.  3" diam.  Signed.  Mint condition.

Certain Daum subject matter is both rare and desirable. Bees are one of them. This important vase is completely covered with bees and flowers, as well as beautiful gilded decoration on the foot and top rim. It's a honey of a vase (Oh, I like a good pun). Nice size at 9" tall. Gilded signature underneath. Mint condition. For the best collections.

Daum produced the most beautiful acid-etched and enameled vases.  This particular beauty is exceptional.  I just love the colors.  Very nice size at 8".  Signed.  Mint condition.

Excellent color and detail on this diminutive, 3¾" tall tumbler.  Acid-etched only.  Priced to sell quickly.  Signed.  Mint condition.

The superb, vivid colors and detail on this tumbler make the fruit look real. It was surely painted by one of their best artists.  4¾" tall.  Signed.  Mint condition.

I've had this decoration many times before on Daum Nancy vase. The berries look like rose hips, but there are no thorns on the branches, so I don't think so. Regardless, the color and artistry are very high quality. The shape is lovely, pinching in at the bottom to form a base that looks like an applied foot. 6" tall. Signed in black enamel on the side of the vase. Mint condition.

In French a bud vase is called a solifleur vase, which literally translated means a "single flower" vase.  This lovely Daum vase has a very desirable shape and a beautiful birch tree scene.  4¾" tall.  Signed in enamel on the underside.  Mint condition.

Daum was able to achieve a high level of detail when they combined the techniques of acid-etching and hand-painted enameling.  This birch tree scenic vase shows off the technique spectacularly.  The colors and details are superb.  It's an important large vase at 16¼".  Signed.  Mint condition.

I sold this vase to a client a few years ago and was very happy to recently get it back.  It's a top-notch scenic with incredible detail and color. The irregular rim is a big plus on a very nice size vase, at 8½".  The artist was so proud of his work that he initialed it on the foot rim, "AR".  Signed.  Mint condition.