Johann Loetz Witwe – Phänomen Genre 8065 – Thea 1899 - 1900

Johann Loetz (Lötz) Witwe Klostermühle

Glass
18 ⨯ 4 cm, ø 5 cm
ConditionExcellent
Price on request

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• About the artwork
  This elegant Phänomen Genre 8065 Art Nouveau vase, crafted by Johann Loetz Witwe, was designed in 1899, just before the great success of the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900. During this crucial period, Max Ritter von Spaun and Eduard Prochaska were fully engaged in refining innovative glass techniques and developing groundbreaking designs. Their goal was to elevate the iridescent glass, which they had been producing since 1898, to an even higher level and to firmly establish Loetz as a pioneer in the world of glass art.
  
  This vase is a stunning example of the artistic and technical innovations that Johann Loetz Witwe introduced around 1899. The combination of the subtle color, the intricate glass thread decoration, and the refined iridescence makes this piece an exceptionally rare and highly sought-after object in the world of Art Nouveau glass art.
  
  Johann Loetz Witwe – Phänomen Genre 8065 – Thea
  This vase is blown in the subtle and refined base color “Thea,” a soft hue that beautifully enhances the iridescence and decoration. The execution belongs to the rare Phänomen Genre 8065, which debuted in 1899. Remarkably, this is one of the few Phänomen Genre decorations produced under the same production number, 8065, further emphasizing the exclusivity of this decor.
  
  The surface of the vase is adorned with a dense pattern of silver-blue glass threads that gracefully swirl across the body. The upper section is further enriched with applied silver-blue bands, which are pulled downward into elegant, elongated droplet shapes. This delicate and highly refined decoration creates a dynamic and flowing effect, characteristic of the innovative aesthetics of Loetz glass art at the turn of the century.
  
  The combination of the subtle base color “Thea,” the intricate glass thread decoration, and the refined iridescence makes this piece an exceptionally rare and highly sought-after object in the world of Art Nouveau glass art. The decorative technique, where silver-yellow glass threads elegantly weave across the surface and extend into elongated droplet shapes, reflects the innovative spirit of Loetz during this period.
  
  Signature
  The vase is in excellent condition and is signed with a wheel-engraved “Loetz Austria” mark. This signature was first introduced just before the turn of the century, during a period when Loetz began systematically marking their works for the international market. As Loetz gained increasing global recognition, a more distinctive signature became necessary, since the earlier marking with Max Ritter von Spaun’s family crest was not directly associated with the glassworks.
  
  Additionally, the original spelling “Lötz” with an umlaut proved confusing for languages that do not use this diacritical mark. To avoid misunderstandings and enhance brand recognition, the standardized signature “Loetz Austria” was introduced, specifically intended for export markets.
• About the artist

  Lötz/Loetz was founded by Johann Lötz in 1840 and was a company based in Bohemia, in the Czech Republic, at the time Lötz belonged to the Empire of Austria-Hungary. In 1879, a grandson of Lötz, Max Ritter-Von Spaun, took over the business from his grandmother and kept the name Joh. Lötz Witwe.

  From that moment on, Johann Lötz Witwe really started to make a name for itself, they developed new innovative glass techniques, but their design and bright colors were also completely innovative. They designed special shapes and vases, luxury items, which they sold in luxury shops in Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, London, Milan, Brussels and Madrid. It soon made them very well known and famous.

  It was the period that Art Nouveau or as it was called in Germany Jugendstil flourished. They used organic shapes, nature was their example, also for Lötz, they developed beautiful decors, resembling butterfly wings, such as the papillon decor of this vase, often the shapes were formed organically by using tongs to shape the hot glass unevenly , as also flowers are formed. But also an octopus or sea shells were taken as examples for their special vases and decors.

  Lötz participated in all kinds of World Exhibitions, including the famous World Exhibition of 1900 in Paris where they won the Grand Prize. They were awarded numerous prizes for participation in World Exhibitions. Max Ritter von Spaun also received special awards for his contribution to the glass industry, in 1883 he was allowed to use the Imperial eagle in their shield and seal, they were also allowed to use K.K. Put Private Glass Factory in front of their name. In 1889 he also received a knighthood from Franz Josef. But other royal houses were also involved. He received the Belgian Order of Leopold and the honorable French Legion d'Honneur.

  Their designs were popular, also in the United States. Tiffany worked with Lötz on the Favril set. Lötz patented some of their special techniques, such as the one they used to make the Phänomen decor. They were able to make iridescent glass. In short, Lötz had become a household name. And it still is.

  Lötz also worked closely with other glass manufacturers such as J.&L. Lobmeyer and E. Bakolowits Söhne in Vienna and with Argentor. In addition, Lötz worked closely with various artists, such as Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Franz Hofstötter, Michael Powolny and other artists from the Wiener Werkstätte. Michael Powolny was responsible for the much tighter tango vases of the 1920s.

  The First World War and the end of the Austrian Empire meant a difficult period for Lötz.
  Lötz existed until 1940, after a bombing raid the factory was completely burnt down. After WWII, the Czech Republic belonged to the satellite states of the Soviet Union, the factory was nationalized until it was finally closed in 1947.

  Lötz glass is still very popular and is collected worldwide, in addition, their oeuvre can also be found in many museum collections.

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