Vase

Notice of Upcoming Content and Access Change

The Museum is working on the future of our online collections access. A new version will be available later in 2023. During this transition period, the current version of the Collections Browser may have reduced functionality and data may be not be updated. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is AAT?

The Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT) (r) is a structured vocabulary for generic concepts related to art and architecture. It was developed by The Getty Research Institute to help research institutions become consistent in the terminology they use.Learn More

Object Name: 
Vase
Place Made: 
Accession Number: 
2009.2.36
Dimensions: 
Overall H: 38.2 cm; Foot Diam: 15.2 cm; Rim Diam: 12.7 cm
Location: 
Not on Display
Date: 
about 1905
Web Description: 
William Fritsche (1853–1924) was one of the finest engravers of the late 19th century. He was trained in Bohemia, and he enjoyed a prosperous career working with Thomas Webb & Sons in Amblecote from the early 1870s. Fritsche executed this large vase in the “rock crystal” style he had helped to develop for Webb, using a 17th-century Bohemian technique of cutting decoration in high relief on a thick blank of decolorized lead glass with a high refractive index. This object is similar to the “Neptune” ewer in the Corning collection (54.2.16), which was completed by Fritsche in 1886, after two and a half years of work. His continuous work in this style attests to his enormous skill, to the enduring popularity of his pieces, and to Webb’s salesmanship. Thomas Webb & Sons, which was in operation from 1837 to 1990, was known for its outstanding engraved overlay and crystal glass. For more on the Webb firm, see Herbert William Woodward, “Art, Feat and Mystery”: The Story of Thomas Webb & Sons, Glassmakers, Stourbridge, U.K.: Mark + Moody Ltd., 1978.
Department: 
Provenance: 
Bonhams, Source
2009-12-21
Color: 
Material: 
Inscription: 
W Fritsche
signature
Engraved lower half signature of William Fritsche
Primary Description: 
Colorless glass; blown and elaborately cut vase; tall waisted baluster form with swollen upper section; deeply engraved overall with nine carp between lily pads and four long-stemmed open and closed lily flowers amidst flowing water. Engraved and signed by William Fritsche.
The Corning Museum of Glass Annual Report 2009 (2010) illustrated, pp. 5, 12; BIB# AI86944
Fine British and European glass; Paperweights (2009) illustrated, #128; BIB# 112740