L'Escalier de Cristal: A Learned Study Traces the Renowned Parisian Establishment’s History

The name appeared in sales catalogs in the late 1960s, first in France, then abroad. In the next two decades, works bearing the "Escalier de Cristal" mark appeared increasingly often, especially at Art Nouveau sales. Many pieces are associated with Émile Gallé (1846-1904), another famous name whose prices took off in the 1970s and 1980s. Others—decorative objects and tableware —exemplify Japanese-style ceramics. The company displayed its name on its products in different ways. “Escalier de Cristal” was etched on glass or bronze frames and bases, stenciled in paint and printed on ceramic. Its name and address also appeared on variably sized round or rectangular labels, which were not always used for commercial purposes. Sometimes they were affixed to hide the maker’s name, whether an artist or another workshop. One example is a large ornamental faience dish by Gallé, which the Musée d'Orsay acquired at Christie's Geneva in 1982. In the late 1980s, as evidence of the degree of perfection achieved by its pieces increased—one of the most spectacular was a Louis Comfort Tiffany vase displayed at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition alongside the no less impressive La Nuit ( The Night ) vase, acquired from Sir Valentine Robert Duff Abdy by the Musée d'Orsay in 1980—Escalier de Cristal furniture appeared at auctions. Their outstanding craftsmanship…