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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Resolved Glass Queries => Topic started by: Wuff on November 26, 2010, 06:33:02 PM

Title: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on November 26, 2010, 06:33:02 PM
The "Glasi" in Hergiswil (http://www.glasi.ch (http://www.glasi.ch)) has been mentioned several times on this board before. Unfortunately their web site is German / French / Italian only, and most other info German only. Therefore I'll try to provide some info in English here - let's start with the History.

The history of the glass works Hergiswil dates back to 1723, when the 3 brothers Josef, Peter and Michael Siegwart from the Black Forest were granted the permission to set up glass works in the Entlebuch region of canton Luzern: the first glass works were set up in Flühli - giving the name to "Flühli-Glas", nowadays highly collectable items (will come back to that later). During the following decades several other glass works were started by the family. In 1781 the largest glass works in Kragen started production - and soon all production was centralised there, with the other works being closed. The massive consumption of wood was increasingly causing problems, however, and during the early 19th century the family looked for a more suitable location.

This location was finally found in Hergiswil, directly at the Vierwaldstätter See (Lake Lucerne), where raw materials could be delivered by ship from further away; also for the produced merchandise this was a good transport opportunity. Production started in Hergiswil in 1817, and by 1869 all production was centralised there - the end of glass production in the Entlebuch region. Only in the beginning also flat glass was produced; since 1841, however, only blown glass was produced in Hergiswil. The Siegwart family was involved until 1963, when "Gebrüder Hoffmann AG" took over. Despite new ownership the necessary modernisation did not take place - and by 1975 the glass works were closed. The premises were taken over by the community of Hergiswil, possibilities to rescue the factory were evaluated within the "Hergiswiler Glas AG", and production was taken up again. In 1977 Roberto Niederer (will come back to him later) introduced his new concept (I guess, today this would be called a business plan). Roberto led the enterprise until his passing in 1988, when his son Robert Niederer took over.

Source: This short summary is largely based on the highly recommendable book "Vom Feuer geformt - Die Geschichte der Glashütte Hergiswil" by Heinz Horat, published 1992 by Hergiswiler Glas AG, ISBN 3-85928-026-0, a "must" if you are interested in the "Glasi" (and can read German).

If you are interested in the history/genealogy of the Siegwart family, including many historical information on glass making as well, I recommend the book "Die Siegwart und die edle, freie Glasmacherkunst", edited by Dominik Siegwart, published 2009 as Book on Demand, ISBN-13: 978-3-8370-9226-4.
Title: The "Lula" Christmas Angel
Post by: Wuff on November 26, 2010, 06:36:43 PM
The "Lula" Christmas Angel was already mentioned in another thread (http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,20520.0.html): the discussion there had somehow left the original topic, which is why I have started a new thread. You are invited to watch a short video "The making of ... Lula" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42OqLn3jDbw). A few images of the result, as displayed in the showroom, follow below (click on thumbnails to see larger images):
(http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08876k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08876k.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08873k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08873k.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08874k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08874k.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08875k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/DSC08875k.jpg)
Title: Identifying Glass from Hergiswil
Post by: Wuff on November 26, 2010, 06:44:47 PM
Items still on sale may be viewed online (http://webshop.glasi.ch/default.aspx?Page=Browse&CMD=KAT-(6)125714.ART(Standard%c3%bcbersichtWEB). If you have language problems with the navigation, however, or don't find what you are looking for, post your images here - I'll try to help. I do have several old (printed) catalogues (although my collection is far from complete) - so I might be able to identify discontinued items as well.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Cathy B on November 26, 2010, 10:03:04 PM
 :hiclp: Thank you for this, Wolf.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: astrid on November 26, 2010, 11:32:15 PM
Wolf, thanks for this information. I'm personally quite interested in handmade art glass produced by German and also Swiss or Austrian glassworks between 1945 and roughly 1980 - do you know of any resource online that would show me some examples of art glass produced by this company in that period? Or is their current work still very much what they produced in that period?

Astrid
Title: What is "Art Glass"?
Post by: Wuff on November 27, 2010, 11:35:01 AM
I'm personally quite interested in handmade art glass produced by German and also Swiss or Austrian glassworks between 1945 and roughly 1980 - do you know of any resource online that would show me some examples of art glass produced by this company in that period?
Astrid
Nothing I would be aware of.

Now - what is "art glass"? In general there will be no clear-cut distinction between art glass and handicraft, I guess, neither between handicrafted glass and consumer glassware. As far as production in Hergiswil is concerned we also have to make a clear cut between items produced before and after 1975. Before 1975 it will have been mostly consumer glassware, especially directly after the war things like preserving jars were top sellers - items which already by 1975 will have been produced worldwide by machines: although Hergiswil invested in such equipment at some stage, it was too late to prevent the decline of the factory. It was the idea of Roberto Niederer to produce well designed, highly decorative, handmade tableware, which describes most of the product line since 1975 and today's success. Let's look at the nut bowl with integrated nutcracker as a (fairly recent) example:
(http://www.seelentags.de/pw/glasi1890k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/glasi1890.jpg) (click on image for larger view)
Is this art glass? I don't think I would call it art glass - but it is certainly highly decorative, in addition to serving it's purpose. And from here it's only a small step to items like the Lula angel shown above, serving no real purpose, but being just decorative - now would Lula be art glass?

To return to Astrid's question about online images of discontinued Hergiswil items. There is not much on ebay, but if you search Ricardo for "Glasi Hergiswil" (http://www.ricardo.ch/search/search.asp?txtSearch=glasi&Catg=1&onlynewauction=0&InTitleAndDesc=1&catalog=1&CategoryType=0&ArticleType=0&Zip=&ZipRange=&Adv=1&pagesize=30&ListingSort=1&Gallery=1) you'll also see discontinued items, though usually not dated. If there is a label, this helps: the present transparent plastic labels were introduced around 2000; any items with paper labels will be older.

Searching for Siegwart (http://www.ricardo.ch/search/search.asp?txtSearch=siegwart&Catg=1&onlynewauction=0&InTitleAndDesc=1&catalog=1&CategoryType=0&ArticleType=0&Zip=&ZipRange=&Adv=1&pagesize=30&ListingSort=1&Gallery=1) will result in fewer hits, but occasionally you'll see e.g. old vases.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: astrid on November 27, 2010, 03:31:16 PM
Thanks Wolf, that link helps. Local selling sites can be a great resource, especially for glasworks that aren't deemed important enough yet for dealers or the more expensive selling sites like Ebay. I've bookmarked this one as a place where vintage Swiss glass might turn up.

Astrid
Title: What is "Art Glass"? (2)
Post by: Wuff on November 28, 2010, 07:47:33 AM
(http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale2k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale2.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale3k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale3.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale6k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale6.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale7k200.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Lichterschale7.jpg)
This arrangement is not on sale as such in Hergiswil - but all the bits and pieces (apart from the seahells) are - mainly a 48 cm diameter "Gebügelte Schale flach" (http://webshop.glasi.ch/default.aspx?Page=Browse&CMD=KAT-(6)126986.ART(StandardübersichtWEB)) and several floating tealight holders "Schwimmer" (http://webshop.glasi.ch/default.aspx?Page=Browse&CMD=KAT-(6)127583.ART(StandardübersichtWEB)). Whilst these images were taken on my living room table, the following were taken some time ago in Hergiswil at a small exhibition of Roberto Niederer "non production" designs:
(http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Niederer08102k.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Niederer08102.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Niederer08103k.jpg) (http://www.seelentags.de/pw/Niederer08103.jpg)
Title: A Siegwart vase from 1957 or few years later
Post by: Wuff on December 06, 2010, 02:33:02 PM
I had mentioned earlier that Siegwart (predecessor of today's "Glasi") items occasionally show up on Ricardo - right now there is a vase on offer (http://www.ricardo.ch/kaufen/antiquitaeten-und-kunst/antikes-aus-glas/vasen/siegwart-hergiswil-grosse-kristallvase/v/an616330014/). Images are reproduced below with seller's permission. The label reads Siegwart, 140 Jahre Glas aus Hergiswil, mundgeblasen, Kristall (140 years of glass from Hergiswil, mouth-blown).  The first number is barely readable - seller assumes 240, which is impossible. As the Siegwart glass works started production in Hergiswil in 1817, it only can be 140, and dates the vase to 1957 or a few years later.

Base 105 mm by 105 mm, height 270 mm, weight about 2 kg.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 06, 2010, 04:45:00 PM
What informative and interesting readingthis makes Wuff.  Thank you so much.

I saw a piece of glass listed that I recognosed as Glasi Hergiswil, and have informed the seller, as she had listed it as Kosta Boda. Item number 380295400229 on eBay. She has added my message but I do hope she changes the listing category & title as otherwise there is ambiguity there.

I agree about the difficulty in defining art glass from decorative glass.

Traditionally 'art' glass is hand made , and may or may not be decorative. 

Decorative glass just has to be pretty and may be molded.......does it truly matter?  I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the Lula angels are so beautiful in their simplicity, and in my mind are Art glass, whereas some epergnes are so decorative and over embellished that whilst I am able to appreciate the skill the maker employed in the production, I find them vulgar and couldn't offer them house room.

In the end though, they may both be used to enhance a candle's light. 
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: astrid on December 06, 2010, 08:30:58 PM
I used the term art glass probably too loosely here. Personally, I'm collecting vases, most of which were meant to be used for flowers and/or look pretty. The Siegwart piece is a fine example of what I like, and I personally don't distinguish whether that would be called 'art', 'design' or 'decoration'. Too bad it's going to be outside my range with the expected shipping costs... Oh well, I console myself by having seen the pictures and I'll certainly remember the pattern should another one turn up. Thanks for posting!

Astrid
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on December 06, 2010, 08:45:43 PM
Too bad it's going to be outside my range with the expected shipping costs...

Seller states 2 kg as approx. weight - so packed it would likely be in the 2 ... 5 kg range, costing sfr 45 to Europe.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: astrid on December 06, 2010, 09:07:43 PM
Thanks, that confirms my suspicion that the total would be too much for me. I'm sure the time will come when I'm such a focused collector that I can spend over 50 euro total without blinking, but that time hasn't come yet. I'm still having too much fun bargain hunting :)

Astrid
Title: Siegwart book online
Post by: Wuff on December 11, 2010, 11:50:05 AM
I just noted that the book "Die Siegwart und die edle, freie Glasmacherkunst", edited by Dominik Siegwart (mentioned in my first posting) is available online via Google Books (http://books.google.ch/books?id=t0gHgAReTr4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=siegwart+glasmacherkunst&hl=de&ei=kGMDTaCENMTDswaBj83hCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false).
There is also a transcription published by Pressglas-Korrespondenz (http://www.pressglas-korrespondenz.de/aktuelles/pdf/pk-2009-2w-01-siegwart-geschichte-schweiz-1936.pdf). Whilst the text is still in German only, it contains (in addition to the original text) reproductions of historic glass catalogues (example pages) - scroll down to:
p.39: Siegwart; Flühli and Hergiswil (1857)
p.40: Glashütte Franc, Contat & Comp.; Monthey (2nd half 19th century)
p.41: Glashütte Franc, Contat & Comp.; Monthey (2nd half 19th century)
p.42: Siegwart & Co; Hergiswil and Küsnacht (shortly after 1900)
p.43: Siegwart & Co; Hergiswil (about 1924)
Title: Glasi Hergiswil "speaks" English now
Post by: Wuff on December 29, 2010, 10:23:37 AM
http://www.glasi.ch/index.php?id=2&L=1

Have fun !
Title: Another Siegwart vase
Post by: Wuff on January 14, 2011, 11:32:25 PM
With the sellers permission I'll copy below images of another Siegwart vase, sold recently on ricardo.  Base 4 cm by 4 cm, height 12 cm.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Ivo on January 15, 2011, 06:39:38 AM
and here is another one by Roberto, complete with sticker.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on January 15, 2011, 11:03:05 AM
That one looks almost 'Medical' Ivo, has Paul S seen it?
Title: Nano Vase
Post by: Wuff on January 15, 2011, 11:22:52 AM
.... but has not been designed for medical purposes  ;) - it is their "Nano Vase" - image below from their 1995 catalogue (yes - I have their general permission to use catalogue images!).
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on January 15, 2011, 11:25:58 AM
That's better,  thanks Wuff.
Title: Siegwart Vase by Paul Loder
Post by: Wuff on March 26, 2011, 12:08:28 PM
This vase by Paul Loder is right now on offer on Ricardo (until 29 Mar 11) (http://www.ricardo.ch/kaufen/antiquitaeten-und-kunst/antikes-aus-glas/vasen/massive-siegwart-vase-entwurf-paul-loder/v/an638753488/): base 6.3 cm x 6.3 cm, height 24 cm, weight 1150 g.

I have to admit I know nothing about Paul Loder: any information on him would be appreciated!
Title: Flühli Glass
Post by: Wuff on December 03, 2011, 05:13:38 PM
The history of the glass works Hergiswil dates back to 1723, when the 3 brothers Josef, Peter and Michael Siegwart from the Black Forest were granted the permission to set up glass works in the Entlebuch region of canton Luzern: the first glass works were set up in Flühli - giving the name to "Flühli-Glas", nowadays highly collectable items (will come back to that later).

Finally - here are several images of Flühli-Glas (http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,44991.0.html).
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 03, 2011, 05:26:47 PM
I've just had a look at the pics of that collection Wolf....stunning!

I am sad to say that I still haven't got a Glasi Hergiswil piece in my collection,  and I would love one of those simple curved standing Angels......maybe I will treat myself?
Title: Christmas Tree
Post by: Wuff on December 03, 2011, 05:43:02 PM
This year a Christmas Tree (http://webshop.glasi.ch/default.aspx?id=25DB7294F739CDE67BBD299D37FDC6A96F85655B0E6FFE875A604C8A3A21DE34D3A47CD68CA1EFA4) (same principle) has been added to the collection  :).
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 03, 2011, 06:20:45 PM
That's so pretty Wolf,  and I'm sure it is the simplicity of the design that makes it seem so special.....Hmmm, now I want both....in all sizes!  :cry:
Rosie.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on December 03, 2011, 06:27:31 PM
Hmmm, now I want both....in all sizes!

When you check your budget, Rosie, don't neglect the shipping cost: the largest angel is 70 cm (28 inches) high ! ::)
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 03, 2011, 06:35:03 PM
I know Wolf!  That's why I'm  :cry:
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on December 03, 2011, 09:46:26 PM
... at least here's another picture for you - showing the surface structure.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 04, 2011, 12:16:41 AM
Truly beautiful,  thank you Wolf.  It is almost reminiscent of Battuto work.  :)
Rosie.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 12, 2011, 12:24:17 AM
Good news! At last I have just won a Cow Butter Dish...the OLMA Butter dish:
''The OLMA series with the friendly cow was designed by Willy Steinlin from St. Gallen. Pure Swissness! The butter dish: The winner!''
Yay, it was pence!  And was not correctly listed. so as I knew what it was I went for it straight away!!  I am so happy....... :rah:

Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on December 12, 2011, 05:58:47 PM
Congratulations, Rosie - so we are almost neighbours now: you own an OLMA Cow butter dish - and I live in St.Gallen ;D.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 12, 2011, 06:07:59 PM
Howdy 'Neighbour' Wolf:

Wie eine Kuh Butterdose kann Menschen zusammenbringen als Nachbarn ist nichts weniger als ein Wunder!

Assuming German is your language???

Rosie.  :)
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on December 12, 2011, 07:15:51 PM
Assuming German is your language???
Rosie.  :)

Correct !
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on December 13, 2011, 03:04:52 PM
GroßeWolf, froh, dass ich das richtig, aber ich wirklich einen Lula Angel!  :cry:
Great Wolf, glad I got that right,  but I really want a Lula Angel.  :cry:
Title: Siegwart Vase by Paul Loder
Post by: Wuff on September 10, 2012, 08:44:18 AM
Another Siegwart vase, designed by Paul Loder, is on offer right now on Ricardo (https://www.ricardo.ch/kaufen/haushalt-und-wohnen/dekorationen-und-accessoires/vasen-und-gefaesse/formschoene-leicht-bauchige-siegwart-glasi-hergiswil-vase/v/an687955574/).

Height 42 cm / Max. diameter 18 cm / Weight 2.2 kg
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on September 10, 2012, 12:24:45 PM
Hi Wolf....I have just had a browse on Ricardo, and decided to join as I might get lucky and see a Lula Angel there!!  There are lots of Olmas and uiles...I like those so much, but if you ever see a Lula for sale please will you alert me?  :D
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on September 10, 2012, 08:00:01 PM
Hi Wolf...., but if you ever see a Lula for sale please will you alert me?  :D
I don't remember any Lula either - but will try to remember, should I ever see one.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on September 10, 2012, 08:47:00 PM
Thank you!!  :)
Title: Combining several "Glasi" Hergiswil items
Post by: Wuff on September 15, 2012, 12:59:31 PM
A combination of a large "Barca Boat (http://webshop.glasi.ch/default.aspx?id=3E5F47A9DD2FEBEA70D24F0F756CF8F37A04028CFD73D434D670A956452769F70B7DEE6606557664)" with "Magic Balls (http://webshop.glasi.ch/default.aspx?id=25DB7294F739CDE67BBD299D37FDC6A9890D1D8CE890FED03D000F2F4715DFC9)" of different sizes, with "Glass Crystals (http://webshop.glasi.ch/default.aspx?id=3E5F47A9DD2FEBEA70D24F0F756CF8F3C867F696FACA605C06C579F30839B5E4)" to keep them from rolling about.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on September 15, 2012, 01:43:18 PM
Wolf, what a wonderful way to display the crystal spheres!
It has inspired me... I collect crystals ( as in gemstone crystals) and many of them are spheres and are tricky to display.  Some of the larger one are on Dartington ring trees but your idea would be lovely to display a group of the smaller ones... do  you mind if I pinch the idea?
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on September 15, 2012, 02:36:01 PM
... do  you mind if I pinch the idea?

You're welcome !
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on September 15, 2012, 02:42:55 PM
 :) Thank you!
Title: Chistmas 2015 at "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: Wuff on November 26, 2015, 02:23:22 PM
The Glasi Studio (http://www.glasi.ch/en/) usually produces a new Christmas item each year - in 2015 an entire set - see attachments.
© Glasi Hergiswil - with kind permission.
Title: Re: "Glasi" Hergiswil (Switzerland)
Post by: rosieposie on November 26, 2015, 11:48:55 PM
These are so lovely Wuff... thank you for sharing them with us... :)