A Daum vase is a glass vase, most commonly made from crystal glass, handmade at the Daum studio in Nancy, France. The Daum studio has been in operation since 1878, and its decorative vases and sculptures, often made in the Art Nouveau or Art Deco style, became famous during the early part of the 20th century. Glass vases from this studio commonly feature designs and motifs inspired by nature, including animals, birds, leaves and flowers. A wide range of decorative glass-making techniques can be used on a Daum vase, including acid etching, enameling, carving, engraving and the application of elements such as handles and other ornaments. The Daum studio is most famous for its use of the pâte de verre, or glass paste, technique which is a rarely used and labor intensive form of glass-making that makes it possible to create glass objects that are very finely detailed.
A vintage vase made at the Daum studio is often highly prized by collectors. Depending on the age of the vase, the details of its design and how well-preserved it is, it can sell from under $100 US Dollars (USD) to several thousand USD. Each Daum vase is designed by an artist and manufactured by hand, making each vase unique. Famous artists who became well-known for their work at Daum include Pierre d'Avesn and Jacques Gruber. Certain vases are signed by the designing artist, and the presence of such a signature can significantly increase the value of the vase.
This kind of vase is often copied because of its great value as a collector's item, and when buying a Daum vase it is important to ensure that the item is authentic. An authentic Daum vase is always stamped with the signature of the Daum studio, featuring the words Daum Nancy and a so-called cross of Lorraine, a cross with two horizontal lines. In some cases, a Daum vase can also features an edition number, and when purchased from an authorized dealer, it is supplied with a certificate of authenticity.
The glass paste technique used to make vases at the Daum studio involves several steps. First, a wax sculpture of the vase is made. Then, a plaster mold is cast around the wax, and the wax is melted out. Powdered crystal glass in the desired colors is then put into the mold, and the mold is heated in a glass-making kiln. The finished vase is then removed from the mold and polished.