MONT JOYE DECANTER - Rare enameled French glass decanter with stopper with large decor of roses deals circa 1910
This elegant Art Nouveau Montjoye enameled glass decanter decorated with enameled roses is French and was made in the Montjoye factory (also know as Verreries Saint-Denis and Legras) around 1900. The decanter is unsigned, but it is a typical design and work by Francois Theodore Legras (1839-1916).
This clear glass decanter was mouth blown, is tiered and steps up to an elongated neck. A single bubble can be seen in the thickness of the glass at the base. The decorative design, consisting of two blossoming roses and buds, is rendered in shades of pale and dusty rose and is very nicely detailed. The leafs are stylized and the stems are outlined in a cream tone and enameled in a pale green. Additional sprays of wispy foliage are highlighted in the same color and expand the composition around the bottle.
The decanter is topped with a blown stopper. Both stopper and the inside of the neck are acid etched to provide a better seal. Cinching marks from the blower's tool can be seen on both sides of the neck.
It is in very good condition. There are no cracks. There is a black speck at the base of the elongated neck, that was rubbed of with a cleaning tool.
The decanter stands 13.5" tall with the stopper. The diameter at the base is 4 1/8" in diameter.
FYI: Francois Theodore Legrand spent his childhood in a hamlet, surrounded by nature in one of France's most beautiful Forest, Darney. The flora undeniably became a source of inspiration for his designs. When he was 20, he became an apprentice in a local glass factory before joining the Saint Denis factory close to Paris at 24. Very shortly afterwards, he is promoted head of production and in 1866, at 27 becomes the director of the factory. He orders the construction of a new factory, becoming one of the largest and most modern in France at the time. So talented is he that he wins numerous prizes at national and international exhibitions. In 1909, deals his nephew inherits Legras & Cie.