Kralik and Loetz

Max Ritter von Spaun (1856-1909) presided over the Loetz glass factory from 1895-1905, the years considered to be the factory’s best. During this period, the company produced a wide range of Art Nouveau pieces (mostly vases), some of which were inspired by Tiffany and included such features as applied and multiple handles, wavy rims, formed bases on rose-water sprinklers and organic shapes. These solid vases were complemented by a wide spectrum of strong iridescent colours often used for contrast. Many of the pieces had a characteristic rich blue iridescence which produced a gleaming oil on water effect. Typical backgrounds included red, purple and yellow and the traditional Art Nouveau motifs included peacock feathers and stylized plants.

It is often difficult to identify Loetz glass because it is widely copied and not all Loetz glass is signed. Pieces with a Loetz or Loetz/Austria mark were usually produced for export.

The Loetz glass factory closed in 1948.

It is also very difficult to authenticate Wilhelm Ritter von Kralik glass because he very rarely signed his pieces.

Some connoisseurs assert that "Kralik was actually an affiliate of Loetz and second only to Loetz in diversity, creative nature and broad range of designs and executions"; that "Kralik actually did produce glass for Loetz in a number of patterns and had the ability to match quality for quality on these items;" that "Kralik was the master at casing glass-up to six layers-even beyond Loetz’s capability;" and that "Kralik was known to produce many designs developed by Otto Prutscher, Dagobert Peche, Adolph Beckert, Marie Beckert and even Edward Prochaska".

Article courtesy of http://users.skynet.be/fa000612/kralik.htm.

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