DAUM France Bacchus Centrepiece Pâte de Verre 21cm - Signed Art Glass

A Beautifully Blown and Moulded Large Signed Centrepiece Featuring Bacchus at the Base by DAUM, France, Late 20th Century

An exceptional and museum-quality centrepiece by DAUM, one of France's most prestigious art glass manufacturers. This stunning piece features a large clear violet glass bowl (33cm diameter, 21cm height) supported by an elaborate figural base depicting Bacchus and Bacchante with bunches of grapes and leaves in turquoise-green and violet pâte de verre. Marked 'Daum France' on the bottom, this late 20th-century work demonstrates DAUM's continued excellence in art glass production and their mastery of the pâte de verre technique. In excellent condition, this signed centrepiece represents an exceptional acquisition for collectors of French art glass and DAUM works.

DAUM - Legendary French Glass House

DAUM, founded in 1878 in Nancy, France, stands among the world's most prestigious art glass manufacturers. Alongside Émile Gallé, DAUM was instrumental in establishing Nancy as a center of Art Nouveau glass production. While the firm achieved fame during the Art Nouveau period (1890s-1910s), DAUM continued producing exceptional art glass throughout the 20th century and into the present, adapting to changing aesthetic movements while maintaining uncompromising quality standards. DAUM's work is represented in major museums worldwide, and pieces bearing the DAUM signature are highly sought after by collectors of French decorative arts and art glass.

Bacchus and Bacchante - Classical Mythology

The centrepiece's figural base depicts Bacchus (Roman god of wine, also known as Dionysus in Greek mythology) and Bacchante (female followers of Bacchus known for ecstatic celebrations). This mythological subject connects to centuries of artistic tradition depicting Bacchus with grapes, vines, and wine-related imagery. The choice of Bacchus for a centrepiece is particularly appropriate - as god of wine and celebration, Bacchus symbolizes hospitality, abundance, and the pleasures of dining. The inclusion of grapes and leaves reinforces the connection to viticulture and festive gatherings.

Pâte de Verre Technique - Technical Mastery

Pâte de verre (French for 'glass paste') is a demanding glass-making technique involving grinding glass into powder, mixing it with binding agents, placing it in molds, and firing at temperatures that fuse the glass particles without fully melting them. This process creates distinctive translucent effects, rich colors, and sculptural possibilities impossible with other glass techniques. DAUM's mastery of pâte de verre, particularly in the figural base's turquoise-green and violet coloration, demonstrates exceptional technical skill and artistic vision. The technique's labor-intensive nature and required expertise make pâte de verre pieces particularly valuable.

Violet Clear Glass Bowl - Elegant Form

The large clear violet glass bowl (33cm diameter) provides functional surface for displaying fruit, flowers, or decorative objects while showcasing DAUM's glass-blowing expertise. The violet coloration adds subtle elegance without overwhelming the piece's classical aesthetic. The bowl's substantial size makes it suitable for impressive displays while the clear glass allows contents to be fully visible. The combination of functional bowl and sculptural base exemplifies DAUM's ability to create works that are both beautiful and practical.

Turquoise-Green and Violet Coloration

The figural base's turquoise-green and violet pâte de verre creates striking color harmony while demonstrating DAUM's mastery of glass coloration. These colors evoke natural associations - turquoise-green suggesting grape leaves and vines, violet echoing wine and grapes. The color combination's sophistication and the technical challenge of achieving consistent coloration in pâte de verre add to the piece's artistic and technical merit.

Signed 'Daum France' - Authentication

The mark 'Daum France' on the bottom provides definitive authentication and confirms the piece's manufacture by this prestigious firm. DAUM signatures dramatically enhance value and collectibility, distinguishing authentic works from imitations. The 'Daum France' marking indicates late 20th-century production, when the firm continued its tradition of excellence while adapting to contemporary tastes. Signed DAUM pieces are essential for serious collectors of French art glass.

Late 20th Century Production

This centrepiece's late 20th-century dating demonstrates DAUM's continued artistic vitality and technical excellence decades after the Art Nouveau period that first established their reputation. Late 20th-century DAUM works show the firm's ability to honor classical subjects and traditional techniques while creating pieces relevant to contemporary collectors. This continuity of excellence across more than a century makes DAUM one of the most respected names in art glass.

Dimensions and Presence

At 21cm height and 33cm diameter, this centrepiece offers substantial presence while remaining suitable for dining tables, sideboards, or display. The impressive scale allows the figural base's sculptural details to be fully appreciated while the large bowl provides practical functionality. The proportions create visual balance between the elaborate base and the elegant bowl, demonstrating sophisticated design sensibility.

Excellent Condition

The centrepiece's excellent condition enhances both aesthetic appeal and investment value. For art glass, condition is paramount - any chips, cracks, or damage significantly affect value. This piece's preservation demonstrates careful ownership and proper handling. The excellent condition allows the pâte de verre colors, glass clarity, and sculptural details to be appreciated as DAUM intended.

Investment Value and Collectibility

Signed DAUM pieces, particularly those featuring elaborate pâte de verre work and classical subjects, represent solid investment opportunities. The combination of prestigious maker, pâte de verre technique, mythological subject, substantial size, and excellent condition creates strong appeal among collectors of French art glass, DAUM works, and decorative arts. As appreciation for 20th-century art glass grows and signed DAUM pieces become scarcer, quality examples show consistent market performance.

Display and Function

This centrepiece works beautifully as both functional object and decorative sculpture. It can serve its intended purpose displaying fruit, flowers, or decorative objects on dining tables or sideboards, or be displayed empty to showcase the glass artistry and mythological subject. The piece's elegance suits both formal and contemporary settings, while the Bacchus theme makes it particularly appropriate for dining rooms or entertaining spaces.

Collecting Context

This centrepiece appeals to collectors of DAUM glass, French art glass, pâte de verre works, mythological subjects, and those seeking functional art of museum quality. It would enhance private collections, corporate holdings, or serve as centerpiece (literally!) in collections focused on French decorative arts or art glass. The combination of beauty, functionality, and investment value makes it suitable for both established collectors and those beginning to collect art glass.

Available for viewing by appointment at Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd, Malta's premier gallery for French art glass. We provide expert consultation, authentication services, insurance valuation, and international shipping with specialized glass handlers. This signed DAUM Bacchus centrepiece represents an exceptional acquisition opportunity. Serious inquiries welcome.