SCHNEIDER
Charles Schneider, born on February 23, 1881, in Chateau-Thierry near Paris, emerged as a pivotal figure in French art glass through his innovative designs and mastery of glassmaking techniques. Along with his brother Ernest, Charles embarked on a lifelong journey in the art glass industry, significantly shaping its evolution in the 20th century.
In 1903, while Ernest started as a clerk at Daum, Charles had already been immersing himself in the artistic world of glass at the same company since 1898. His training included engraving and decorating workshops alongside studies in drawing and modeling with Henri Berge at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Nancy. His dedication to mastering his craft took him to the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1904, where he studied painting and medal engraving, creating art objects in the Art Nouveau style.
By 1913, the Schneider brothers were ready to establish their mark on the industry by purchasing a small glass factory in Epinay-sur-Seine, specializing initially in electric light bulbs. The factory soon shifted focus under the new name 'Schneider Freres & Wolf', producing distinguished glassworks that featured both traditional and innovative techniques. However, the outbreak of World War I temporarily halted their operations.
Post-war, in 1917, the factory reopened as "Societe Anonyme des Verreries Schneider", quickly adapting to the tastes of the time which favored Art Nouveau aesthetics. The factory specialized in cameo glass but also produced commercial glassware. A notable shift occurred when the Galle studios were destroyed by fire in 1918, leading many of its artists to join Schneider, where they introduced the 'marqueterie de verre' technique to Charles. This period saw the creation of innovative art glass pieces, characterized by their intricate and vibrant designs.
The 1920s were a prosperous time for Schneider, with the factory producing high-quality art glass marked under the names 'Le Verre Français' and 'Charder'. These pieces were sold in department stores and specialized art shops, making the Schneider name synonymous with luxury and quality in glassmaking.
Despite the success, the Great Depression marked a downturn for the company, leading to a decline in the production of art glass. Attempts to save the firm were unsuccessful, and the company eventually liquidated in 1937, a month after Ernest Schneider's death.
Undeterred by previous setbacks, Charles, with his son, founded "Cristalleries Schneider" in 1950 at Epinay-sur-Seine, later moving to Lloris. This new venture continued the tradition of excellence in glassmaking, focusing on lead crystal and adopting modern mid-century styles. Charles Schneider passed away in 1952, and the factory continued until its closure in 1981.
Charles Schneider's legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and artistic excellence, influencing generations of glassmakers and leaving an indelible mark on the world of art glass.
COLLECTION
This stunning Art Deco Vase (signed Schneider) was realized in the studio of the esteemed glass makers Ernest and Charles Schneider circa 1925. The Schneider Brothers were some of the most respected and masterful glass artists in France during this period, influencing the practices of great artists of the next generation such as Daum and Emile Galle. This piece is a first rate example of their practice. It features a circular base and an elongated body that expands towards its shoulders and then tapers to its rimmed circular mouth. The piece is executed in a rare smoked topaz handblown glass with a unique (and very rare) craqueleur pattern throughout. With its impeccable glass quality (showcasing one of the most desired and unusual patterns of the period) and distinctly modern form, this museum quality piece is sure to delight discerning collectors of the period, as well as those with a penchant for all things exquisite. This, quite simply, is the Art Deco glass vessel for those that have seen it all and will settle for nothing but the very best. It is signed "Schneider" and is in excellent condition.
France, circa 1925
Dimensions:
Height: 13 in (33.02 cm) x Diameter: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Creator: Charles Schneider (Artist)
Style: Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Glass
Place of Origin: France
Period: 1920-1929
Date of Manufacture: circa 1925
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793430601172
This sophisticated Art Deco bowl was realized and signed by Charles Schneider in France circa 1920. It features a mottled carnelian glass top with a wrought iron base adorned with ruby spherical embellishments and stylized foliate detailing, connected by a striated glass neck. With its beautiful craftsmanship- made by one of the period's great studios- and refined color palate, this piece is sure to delight discerning collectors of first rate cameo glass, as well as those with a penchant for exquisite objects. It is signed "Schneider" and in excellent vintage condition.
Charles and Ernest Schneider represented the next generation of highly skilled glass makers after Emile Galle and the Daum brothers, whose glassworks were in the same region (Nancy) of France. The Schneider brothers worked for Daum from the early 1900s, before embarking on their own, producing some of the most original and celebrated pieces of the era,
France, circa 1920
Dimensions:
Height: 14 in. (35.56 cm) x Diameter: 14.5 in. (36.83 cm)
Style: Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Art Glass, Wrought Iron
Place of Origin: France
Period: 1920-1929
Date of Manufacture: circa 1920
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793424334862
This beautiful topaz colored, and museum quality French Art Deco "Cubist style" glass vase by Schneider is decorated with an "acid etched" geometric pattern with vertical etched lines throughout. Charles Schneider, who originally worked for Daum was a brilliant and versatile designer, and the company produced a wide range of superb designs. This elegant topaz colored piece would be a lovely addition to any design aesthetic. It is in excellent vintage condition. The vase is signed, "Schneider".
France, Circa 1930
Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 in. (21.59 cm) x Diameter: 6 in. (15.24 cm)
Creator: Charles Schneider (Designer)
Style: Art Deco (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques: Art Glass, Etched
Place of Origin: France
Period: 1930-1939
Date of Manufacture: circa 1930
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793427883772
This beautifully achieved Art Deco Skyscraper Stylized Cubist Cloud form Flush Mount Chandelier by Schneider originates from France, Circa 1930. This brilliant piece features a single frosted glass shade with a stunning array of thoughtfully integrated detailing. From each corner emerge stepped skyscraper style motifs which form the corners with their jutting forms and sleek geometry. Between the linear stepped elements are moments of overlapping cloud like curves which billow up along the sides of the shade and contrast beautifully with the more hard-edge geometric motifs. A well balanced and remarkably dynamic fixture, this piece is an excellent example of the design characteristics and motifs of the Art Deco era, and will style well in a wide array of spaces and settings, from Art Deco to Mid-Century Modernist and Contemporary Interiors. Newly rewired to American Standards, this piece accommodates 2 Edison based bulbs achieving up to 200 watts of light. Height can be adjusted to suit, and in Excellent Vintage Condition.
France, Circa 1930
Dimensions:
Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm) x Width: 13.5 in (34.29 cm) x Depth: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)
Creator: Schneider (Maker)
Power Source: Hardwired
Style: Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Glass, Nickel
Place of Origin: France
Period: 1930-1939
Date of Manufacture: circa 1930
Condition: Excellent. Rewired.
Reference Number: LU793442116602
This beautiful, slender and museum quality French Art Deco "Cubist style" glass vase by Schneider is decorated with an "acid etched" slanted rectangular pattern on top and bands of acid "etched" rolling hill motif below. Charles Schneider, who original worked for Daum was a brilliant and versatile designer, and the company produced a wide range of superb designs. This delicate topaz colored piece would be a lovely addition to any design aesthetic. It is in excellent vintage condition. The vase is signed, "Schneider".
1930 France
Dimensions:
Height: 9.75 in. (24.77 cm) x Diameter: 3.25 in. (8.26 cm)
Creator: Charles Schneider (Designer)
Style: Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Art Glass, Glass
Place of Origin: France
Period: 1930-1939
Date of Manufacture: circa 1930
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793427884652
This gorgeous pair of Art Deco Vases in Smoked Amethyst & Amber Hued Glass were made by Schneider, and originate from France, Circa 1925. With a large profile and exceedingly elegant proportions, they feature an expansive openings that lead to a substantial body and then tapers downwards to a rounded base. The glass is remarkably achieved, swirls of smoked Amethyst near the top of the base and Amber hued glass from the base combine to form lovely striations and unique moments. Schneider is an esteemed maker, known for their innovative designs and fabulous hues in both Art Deco and Art Nouveau styling, particularly in the period between the first and second world war. Charming and elegant, this Pair of Vases will style beautifully in a wide array of interiors and settings, from Art Deco to Mid-Century Modernist and Contemporary spaces. Signed "Schneider" on the base of each vase. In Excellent Vintage Condition.
France, circa 1925
Dimensions:
Height: 17.6 in (44.71 cm) x Diameter: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
Creator: Schneider (Maker)
Sold As: Set of 2
Style: Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Blown Glass
Place of Origin: France
Period: 1920-1929
Date of Manufacture: circa 1925
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793436786702