John Lotton William Morris-Style (Art Nouveau) Leaf & Vine Vase (1995)

John Lotton was daring and innovative in his glass art experimentation. This unique Art Nouveau Vase is a bold effort to translate the design principles of William Morris and the Art Nouveau Arts and Crafts Movement in England to the Heartland of America nearly a century later. We are unaware of other examples of this style, although the artist himself has deemed it a part of his "Leaf & Vine" works on the signature block on the bottom.

ART NOUVEAU (ahr noo-voh’), a French term meaning new art, refers to a style of architecture, of commercial and decorative art, and, to some extent, a style of painting and sculpture that was popular about 1900. Although the style was then thought of as modern and was given the title “new art,” it was adapted from older styles and art forms. Much was derived from the Gothic and rococo and from the arts of Java and Japan.

THE ART NOUVEAU MOVEMENT would never have been the same without William Morris. A true Renaissance man, William Morris mastered every art and craft to which he set his hand, reveling in designs, patterns, colors and textures, and placing his stamp on sumptuous books, rugs, embroidery, wallpaper, stained glass, tapestries, curtains and furniture. Perhaps John Lotton had this in mind as he created this piece.

It is 9 inches high, about 5 inches wide and weighs nearly 2 lbs. The interior of the piece is a robust Cobalt color, followed by a layer of Opalescent White, then ornamented with thickly applied Morris-like Leaf and Vine motifs. The Vase changes color as the inner sleeve reacts to light, or lack thereof, during the day.

This is a unique classic, something special from John Lotton's late period, prior to his moving on to other pursuits.