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Gallé in his 30s: His First Expo (1878)
Eleven years later, at the Paris Expo the year after Gallé took over the family business and became a manager, he presented works like this one. The footed cup The Four Seasons is a small piece, about the size of a child’s tea bowl, but it captivates with its delicate decorations. The names of the zodiac signs are inscribed along the rim, and upon closer inspection, the constellations are engraved beneath them. The front depicts Taurus, with a star symbol in between, and to the right is Gemini… and so on. The engravings on the sides feature female figures inspired by the four seasons.
At this exhibition, several original pieces displayed at past Paris Expos, including this one, are showcased. These are not “identical models,” but rather the actual works that have witnessed history. Knowing this adds a deep sense of nostalgia, as it feels as if the piece holds the sighs and admiration of the spectators from that time.
That said, by this point, Gallé’s works hadn’t undergone significant changes in technique. What was most innovative for Gallé at the 1878 expo was not the decoration, but the base material of the glass itself.
Let’s take a look at the vase Koi with a design of koi fish from Hokusai Manga (a time when Japonism was at its peak!). The undulating shape of the vase refracts the light, creating the illusion of koi swimming in water. This truly makes you realize that working with glass means designing the transmission and refraction of light.
If you focus on the glass portion, you’ll notice a faint bluish tint in the glass. This is the new material Gallé introduced at the 1878 Expo, called “moonlight-colored glass.” Moonlight-colored glass became so popular that it was imitated across Europe. At that expo, Gallé won the bronze medal in the glass category.
Additionally, don’t miss the panel displays that clearly explain the decorative techniques. The variety of decoration styles showcases the continuous dedication and refinement of the artists and craftsmen. Some of these techniques, such as “patiné” and “marquetry,” were later developed by Gallé himself, so be sure to glance through them as a helpful hint for your viewing experience.
