This vase, a masterpiece of French Art Nouveau design, is among the largest and most ambitious ceramics designed by Goerges Hoentschel, who was an architect, interior decorator, and art collector in addition to being a ceramicist. The various marine motifs, which include fish, crustaceans, shells, and seaweed, are integrated into the design of the vase with seemingly effortless skill, and the mottled green glaze reinforces the marine theme. This vase and its mate were displayed prominently in the pavilion of the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 in Paris.(design file: esda 1wall 1 flrlbl 1st prfs 3/16/07)
