Vase
late 19th century
Cameo glass is made by removing glass from the surface of a piece to create a design in relief. An ancient technique, it can be used on one layer or multi-layers of clear or colored glass. Traditionally, glass was removed using hand-cutting tools, or by wheel cutting, however since the late 1800s hydrofluoric acid was used more often, and then finished using wheel cutting and hand sculpting.
A resurgence of interest in cameo glass production was inspired by the work of Émile Gallé, working in Nancy, France in the 1890s. An expert botanist, Gallé based his motifs on plant and flower designs influenced by Japanese-style floral decoration, and the new style in art and design known as Art Nouveau.
Cameo glass with overlay decoration
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Moch
95.121
