Loetz Conch Shell Vase Candia Papillon ca. 1900

The naturalistically depicted shell and snail vases, executed at the highest level of craftsmanship, were already among the most popular and successful glass objects produced by the manufacture Johann Loetz Witwe by the end of the 19th century. This well documented series of zoomorphic themes within the glass production can be traced back to as early as 1897. Since these modeled conch shell vases – or snail shells as they were also called – were high-end fashion items, the glassworks gave free rein to their creativity.

Thus, there are not only different shapes and sizes, but also specimens with plastic coral branches and later with leaf overlays. Depending on the production series, these popular vases were also made in different colors and decorations. They all have in common that they form a bridge between expiring trends of the 19th century and innovative impulses of the upcoming 20th century within the development of Jugendstil glass.