Émile Gallé “Ours Polaires” Cameo Glass Vase
Regular price
$85,000
This exquisite Émile Gallé “Ours Polaires” cameo vase showcases three polar bears navigating ice floes in an Arctic landscape, framed by distant icebergs rendered in stunning shades of blue and white. Polar bear motifs gained popularity in the 1920s, coinciding with the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration—a period marked by numerous expeditions to reach the South Pole. The motifs of this vase are likely inspired by Jean-Baptiste Charcot, a pioneering French explorer, who two significant expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century, advancing scientific understanding of the region. His 1908–1910 voyage aboard the Pourquoi Pas? charted much of the Antarctic coastline and contributed valuable information about the continent's geography and wildlife. During this time, Gallé incorporated polar bear and penguin designs into his work, reflecting renewed European fascination with the exotic wildlife of Earth’s final frontiers.
Item #: YG-21696
Artist: Emile Gallé
Country: France
Circa: 1900
Dimensions: 14" height, 10" diameter
Materials: Glass
Signed: Gallé
Literature: A. Duncan and G. de Bartha, Glass by Gallé, New York, 1984, p. 201
Item #: YG-21696
Artist: Emile Gallé
Country: France
Circa: 1900
Dimensions: 14" height, 10" diameter
Materials: Glass
Signed: Gallé
Literature: A. Duncan and G. de Bartha, Glass by Gallé, New York, 1984, p. 201
During the 1920s, countries like the United States, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and the Soviet Union were eager to establish claims over Arctic territories and resources. The region's strategic importance became increasingly apparent, particularly for potential air routes and future economic opportunities. Advances in technology, including airplanes, airships, and enhanced icebreakers, made the Arctic more accessible, enabling explorers to cover vast areas, conduct aerial surveys, and endure harsh conditions. While the exploitation of Arctic resources such as oil, gas, and minerals was still in its early stages, the promise of these untapped riches significantly fueled interest in the region.
During the 1920s, countries like the United States, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and the Soviet Union were eager to establish claims over Arctic territories and resources. The region's strategic importance became increasingly apparent, particularly for potential air routes and future economic opportunities. Advances in technology, including airplanes, airships, and enhanced icebreakers, made the Arctic more accessible, enabling explorers to cover vast areas, conduct aerial surveys, and endure harsh conditions. While the exploitation of Arctic resources such as oil, gas, and minerals was still in its early stages, the promise of these untapped riches significantly fueled interest in the region.
Related Content
Gem X Club Presents: Art Nouveau, The Genesis of Jewelry As Fine Art
Gem X's series of virtual jewelry chats, GemfliX, is always an honor to participate in. For our most recent conversation, Ben Macklowe discussed "Art Nouveau: The Genesis of Jewelry As Fine Art" in great detail, to an audience of more than 250 jewelry enthusiasts. Catch a glimpse of the conversation below, and visit the Gem X site to view more. ...
