Estimation Gallé Vases

Get an online appraisal >

Gallé Vases

Do you own any Gallé vases? Are you curious to know what they are worth? Our Experts can provide an appraisal to give you an estimate of the market price, then help you to ensure the best possible price should you decide to sell.

Émile Gallé and Art Nouveau

Gallé vases are a true symbol of Art Nouveau. Throughout his life, Émile Gallé worked on fauna and flora. He was also inspired by Japanese works, which were very fashionable at the end of the 19th century. He is one of the world’s greatest creators of glassware. There is significant diversity in his production, he made use of several techniques for glass, from marquetry to acid etching. Gallé vases were made in the east of France. These vases were manufactured over almost half a century. The originality of Gallé vases has been awarded with medals at various world exhibitions.

Significant production of industrial vases

More than 35 million industrial Gallé glass paste vases are currently on the market. 10 million lamps and 3 million chandeliers have been added, making Émile Gallé one of the greatest master glassmakers.

The production of Gallé vases can be divided into two parts: handcrafted pieces and industrial production. Industrial production has made it possible to reduce the production costs of the Gallé factory. It has given way to mass production, to the detriment of the creation of rare and unique pieces. This automation of processes was what Émile Gallé wanted, who, like the Daum brothers, wanted to bring art to within everyone’s reach.

The production of prestigious pieces stopped when Émile Gallé passed away. There are a large number of signatures, the shapes used are also diverse (tubular, soliflore, ovoid).

Be careful not to confuse the pieces produced after the death of Émile Gallé with those produced under his direction. It is the pieces produced during Émile Gallé’s lifetime that are the most sought-after on the art market and whose values can soar.

Émile Gallé’s vase rating

Gallé vases are appreciated by collectors. The price range is wide, from a few hundred euros to several thousand euros. The value of a vase varies according to its decoration, its size, but also its general condition. Vases made during Émile Gallé’s lifetime are often the most sought-after. A large number of copies still circulate on today’s market, so it is important to check their authenticity (vases signed TIP are reproductions). It should be noted that Gallé never produced glass paste, contrary to popular belief.

It is important to remember that the condition of your vase is a fundamental element in determining the value of your glassware. A poorly placed bubble in the glass, but above all a crack, can make your vase almost impossible to sell and thus may reduce its value by more than 80%.

Variable prices depending on production

It can be difficult for the naked eye to recognise the authenticity and production method of an Émile Gallé vase. However, there are a few tricks to guide you.

Higher value for vases produced before 1904

Vases produced in very limited series or by hand can be identified by their transparent patterns. Attention must be paid to the quality of the engraved motif, which must be fine and embossed. The glass of your vase should also be fairly thick. Typically, insect and flower appliqués are found, with gold or silver inlays.

Lower rating for industrial vases

Industrially produced vases can be identified by the presence of acid etchings. This technique involves drawing a negative of the decoration on a piece with a bitumen-based varnish. This allows the vase to pass through the hands of different workers, specialised in a precise task. The prices of these vases or lamps generally tend to be low: demand is just not there. Indeed, the demand in this market has fallen by more than 50% in recent years. These vases are no longer to the taste of the buyers on the market. Their prices generally do not exceed 10,000 euros.

The “Cristallerie” vases by Émile Gallé are enamelled vases, estimated between 5,000 and 7,000 euros.

The value of Gallé vases can be particularly high due to their relatively rare production. Some glass paste vases can reach several hundred thousand euros!

How to authenticate the signature of a Gallé vase?

Gallé signatures differ according to the period. From 1904 on, a small star or the cross of Lorraine can be found next to the Gallé signature quite regularly.

Keep in mind that the term “signature” is used exclusively for works created during Émile Gallé’s lifetime. The term “mark” must be used for the production of posthumous works.

Close examination of the Gallé signatures and marks will allow us to evaluate your Gallé vase accurately.

Sales results of Gallé vases

A vase decorated with cylindrical dragonflies in two-layer transparent glass sold at auction for 33,000 euros. A vase with floral decoration signed “Gallé Expos 1900” sold for 60,000 euros in 2019.

That same year, a multi-touch glass vase by Émile Gallé was estimated at between 60,000and 80,000€ at an auction house in the Espace Drouot.

How do we appraise your Gallé vases?

Requesting an online valuation of your vase is simple. You just need to complete our appraisal form with a brief description and some photos. This information will be sent directly to one of our vase experts who will provide you with a price range and sales advice.

A team of experts and auctioneers

If you own an Gallé vases, use our online form for an appraisal.

You will then be contacted by a member of our team of experts and auctioneers to give you an independent opinion of the market price. Should you wish to sell your vase, our specialists will also advise you on the various options available for selling at the best price.

Get an online appraisal >