For collectors, Daum is a name in the first rank of the French makers of art glass, along with those of Émile Gallé and René Lalique. Led in its early decades by the brothers Auguste (1853–1909) and Antonin Daum (1864–1931), the company, based in the city of Nancy, established its reputation in the Art Nouveau period, and later successfully adopted the Art Deco style.
In 1878, lawyer Jean Daum took over the ownership of a glassworks as payment for a debt and installed his sons as proprietors. Initially, Daum made glass for everyday purposes such as windows, watches and tableware, but the success that Gallé enjoyed at the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris — the international showcase for which the Eiffel Tower was built — inspired the Daum brothers to begin making art-glass pieces. They produced popular works of cameo glass, a decorative technique in which an outer layer of glass is acid-etched or carved off to reveal the layer below, but Daum became best known for vessels and sculptures in pâte de verre — a painstaking method in which finely ground colored glass is mixed with a binder, placed in a mold and then fired in a kiln.
Though early Daum glass was never signed by individual artists, the firm employed some of the masters of the naturalistic, asymmetrical Art Nouveau style, including Jacques Grüber, Henri Bergé and Amalric Walter (whose first name is frequently misspelled). Daum also collaborated with furniture and metalware designer Louis Majorelle, who created wrought-iron and brass mounts for vases and table lamps. In the 1960s, Daum commissioned fine artists, most notably Salvador Dalí and sculptor César Baldaccini, to design glass pieces. As you see from the works offered on 1stDibs, Daum has been home to an astonishingly rich roster of creative spirits and is today a state-owned enterprise making pâte de verre figurines.
Crystal Starburst Bowl by Daum, France
By Daum
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous crystal starburst bowl by Daum, France, circa 1970s. The bowl is in very good condition and measures 13" W x 5.5" D x 6.25" H. Etched signature...
Crystal
Daum France Sculptural Crystal Centerpiece Bowl
By Daum
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking sculptural crystal centerpiece bowl by Daum, France. This dramatic modernist design features gracefully sweeping sides that rise upward into elegant wing-like points, creati...
Crystal
Large Crystal Bowl by Daum, France
By Daum
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous crystal two handle bowl by Daum, France, circa 1970s. The bowl is in very good condition and measures 13.25" W x 7" D x 7.5" H. Etched signature reads "Daum France". #2484.
Crystal
Baccarat Wave Crystal Bowl France
By Thomas Bastide, Baccarat, Rosenthal, Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Luxurious bowl from crystal-sculpting experts Baccarat. With its legacy in crystal, Baccarat displays craftmanship and beauty in its unique pieces. The edge of the vase undulates throughout clear crystal with waves traveling down the side in five tiers. Designed for Baccarat by Thomas Bastide, the decorative Wave bowl is a work of art. Exemplifying Baccarat’s technical prowess, the crystal cuts inside the vase create a magical optical effect, subtlety shadowing the Clear crystal from the bowl’s base to its edge. Rippled lines refract the light for a gleaming presentation that will dress up a dinner party table or stand alone as a minimalist ornament. Mid-Century, Hollywood Regency, Art Deco, Eclectic, Coastal, Modern, Boho, Organic Modern, Minimalist, Scandinavian, Milano Memphis...
Crystal
Freeform Somerso Glass Bowl / Centerpiece by Murano Glass
By Murano 5
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish purple somerso glass free form bowl / centerpiece by Murano Glass, circa 1970s. This beautiful piece measures 17"W x 7"D x 6.25"H and is in very good condition no chips or cr...
Art Glass
Steuben Glassworks Signed Crystal "Snail" Scroll Handle Olive Bowl
By Steuben Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Steuben Glassworks signed crystal "snail" scroll handle olive bowl, circa 1960s. An iconic piece of American mid-century modern design, this clear lead crystal bowl was produced by S...
Crystal
Daum France Sculptural Curvilinear Crystal Art Glass Fruit Bowl Centerpiece
By Daum
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Daum France Sculptural Curvilinear Crystal Art Glass Fruit Bowl Centerpiece. Sculptural curvilinear crystal art glass fruit bowl, model Aquarius 1960 s...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Baccarat "Stella" Crystal Starfish Centerpiece Bowl, France
By Baccarat
Located in Beirut, LB
This striking "Stella" centerpiece bowl by Baccarat is a masterclass in mid-century French glassmaking. Characterized by its dramatic, sculptural "splash" form, the piece features ei...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Daum Crystal Star Bowl
By Daum
Located in London, GB
This refined and sculptural translucent glass bowl was produced by Daum, one of the most illustrious glass makers of the period in Nancy, France, circa 1950. Daum was awarded a Grand...
Glass
Crystal Bowl by Daum France
By Daum
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This elegant crystal bowl is marked DAUM FRANCE. Typical is the classic and pure design in crystal glass. This vase is in very good condition.
Crystal
Large French Crystal Splash Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Land O' Lakes, FL
This large mid century crystal centerpiece bowl truly makes a statement and can be displayed on its own or be filled. A perfect look for any coastal retreat with its splashing wave d...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Large Crystal Glass Fruit Bowl from Art Vannes, France, 1960s
By Art Vannes
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Large Crystal Glass Fruit Bowl from Art Vannes, France, 1960s
Glass
