1910 Legras France Hazelnut Cabinet Vase

LEGRAS Théodore (1839/1916) France. Ovoid cabinet vase, with four sides, in orange, green, and brown glass. Cameo carved with reserve-etched decoration of hazelnut catkin and leaves. Signed "Legras".

Period: Circa 1910
Signed/Maker: Legras (François Théodore Legras)
Origin: France
Size Classification: Small; Cabinet Size
Approximate Dimensions: Height 5.3 inches; Weight 1 lb. 5 oz.
Decoration: Art Nouveau, Nature-Inspired, Catkin Series
Colors: Brown, Green, Orange, White
Condition: Excellent overall, with minor imperfections visible under close inspection that are inherent to the original manufacturing process. These production-related irregularities sometimes occur in early 20th-century glassmaking techniques and do not compromise the structural integrity or aesthetic value of the piece. Such nuances reflect the artisanal nature of Legras’ work and are not considered damage. Please see the images.

François Théodore Legras was born in 1839 and became one of the leading French glassmakers of his time. He spent his early years in a small hamlet in the heart of the Darney Forest in the Vosges region. Surrounded by the natural beauty of forests, lakes, and wildlife, this environment would later inspire much of his artistic work, which often featured themes from nature, especially the landscapes of the Ourche Valley.

At the age of 20, Legras began working as a clerk at a nearby glassworks. Four years later, he moved to Saint-Denis near Paris, where he joined the Plaine Saint-Denis glassworks as a night clerk. His skill and dedication led to a rapid rise. Within six months, he was promoted to production manager, and by 1866, at the age of 27, he was appointed director of the glassworks.

Under his leadership, the factory expanded significantly. He initiated the construction of a modern manufacturing facility and a residential area for workers, eventually growing the site into an industrial complex of nearly 20,000 square meters. Legras later became the head of Legras et Cie and then of the Verrerie et Cristallerie de Saint-Denis.

Throughout his career, he showcased his glass creations at numerous national and international exhibitions, where he received many awards. In 1900, he oversaw the glassware and crystal displays at the Universal Exhibition held in Paris.

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