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.
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
Daum France Sculptural “Starfish” Crystal Centerpiece Bowl
By Daum
Located in San Diego, CA
A dramatic sculptural crystal centerpiece bowl by Daum, France. The piece features an elegant five-point organic form with deeply molded ribs that radiate from the base outward, crea...
Crystal
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
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
Baccarat Wave Crystal Bowl France
By Rosenthal, Baccarat, Thomas Bastide, 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
Sculptural Modernist Heavy Crystal Geometric Ashtray or Vide-Poche
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking sculptural heavy crystal ashtray or vide-poche executed in a dramatic geometric form. This exceptional modernist piece features an architectural folded-corner design with ...
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
Daum Art Deco Crystal Bowl, France, Mid-20th Century
By Daum
Located in London, England
The Daum Sculptural Cup, emblematic of French crystal art, embodies both the elegance and know-how of the prestigious Daum house, founded in Nancy. This unique piece, designed in the...
Crystal
Vintage Crystal Bowl by Daum France, 1950's
By Daum
Located in Lisboa, PT
This bowl was designed and produced by Daum, in France, during the 1950's. It has a typical classic and pure design in crystal glass. With the signature engraved on the external side...
Crystal
French Mid Century Vannes Crystal Bowl
Located in Buchanan, NY
This French 1950s Vannes crystal candy bowl is a truly remarkable piece. With its unique design featuring three amorphic arms, it stands out as a ra...
Crystal
Daum France Important Crystal Centerpiece Bowl Vase, circa 1950
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking sculptural bowl, rendered in luminous translucent crystal, was created by Daum—one of France's most celebrated crystal ateliers—in Nancy circa 1950. Renowned for their ...
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
