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ome things exist “outside of time:”The Wizard berries and sweeping palms. There were even the
of Oz … Model T Fords … Turntables and occasional jolting jazz-age abstracts.
SLPs. After brief, brilliant moments in the sun Born in France in 1881, Charles Schneider studied
of our consciousness, they cool down to glowing at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, under famed glass artist
embers. There they remain, ready to blaze forth Emile Galle. He then found employment, with his
again whenever called to mind. older brother Ernest, at the Daum factory in Nancy.
With some other things, those moments in the In 1913, the pair struck out on their own, opening
sun are fleeting – Nehru jackets … Cabbage Patch the Cristallerie Schneider near Paris. The new
Kids … 8-tracks. When their flame goes out, it’s company’s inventory included the jumbo trumpet
gone (we hope) for good. and urn-shaped vases today’s collectors generally
Most antiques and collectibles exist (thankfully) associate with the name “Schneider,” as well as
“outside of time.” Regardless of when they were bowls, lamps, candlesticks, and epergnes.
created, they still hold immediacy. Does Mission Schneider soon began producing the cameo glass
furniture just remain rooted in the early 20th for which the firm became best-known: “Le Verre
century? Is Depression glass stuck forever in the Francais” (“The French Glass”). Vivid reds and
Depression? Does ’50s Modern only work if you oranges are characteristic of “Le Verre Francais,”
lived in the 1950s? including a rich golden-red hue Schneider dubbed
Nope, nope, and nope. Items like these retain “Tango Orange.” For a particularly dramatic effect,
their relevancy. That’s why a clean-lined Mission Two large “Tango Orange” vases by the vase foot was often in a color contrasting with
desk looks just fine when topped off with an Charles Schneider. Tallest, 18-1/4” h. the vase body.
all-angles ‘50s modern lamp. Originally sold exclusively in French department
(Photo by Leslie Piña)
Add a small blue Depression stores, Schneider glass, thanks to exposure at 1925’s
glass bowl for paper clips, and you’re all set. In landmark Paris Exposition, quickly made its way to the United States.
the words of songwriter Peter Allen, “everything Here, Schneider’s stunning use of color made the line an immediate hit.
old is new again.” While technically working vases—they certainly have all the right
Cases in point: five types of decorative glass, parts—Schneider vases can be more accurately described as the idea of
dating from different eras of the 20th century. a vase. These vases are meant to be looked at; their practical use is
Each was an ideal accent piece when first secondary. Oversize and arresting, a Schneider vase immediately becomes
introduced. And, though decades have passed, the focal point of any room, holding its own against all comers.
each remains a timeless treasure today.
“And The Winner Is …
The Sparkle of Schneider
Carnival Glass!”
Charles Schneider’s
Best remembered as a prize at
monumental glass vessels midway “games of chance,” carnival
—many over two feet glass originally aimed for loftier heights.
high—are among the Introduced in the early 1900s, it was
most elegant and first known as “iridill,” a reference to its
dazzling Art Deco iridescence. Iridill was molded, like
creations. His bold use other pressed glass of the time. When
of color acted in concert removed from its mold, the glass was
with nearly the entire sprayed with a solution of metallic salts.
range of techniques Once cured, the effect was magical: the
available to glassmakers metallic finish refracted light with an
– from mottling, fleck- ever-changing colorful luster. The goal:
ing, and streaking, to to mimic the look of iridescent hand-
graceful etched cameo crafted Tiffany glass at a fraction of the
designs of such nature- cost. That plan proved so successful that
based themes as hanging
iridill was soon referred to as the “Poor
Man’s Tiffany.”
Left: Entwined array of flowers and vines. 22-1/2” h. (Photo by Leslie Piña)
Right: Sinuous blossoms and hanging fruit, on two vases in tones of burnt apricot. Northwood amethyst “Tree Trunk” vase,
10-1/2” h. (Photo by Donald-Brian Johnson)
Tallest, 17-1/2” h. (Photos by Leslie Piña)
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