About Johan Loetz

Loetz was founded in 1836 by Johan Loetz in Klostermuhle, Bohemia, part of the old Austro-Hungarian empire. They specialized in making high-quality art glass. In 1898, after several years of experimentation with variations in firing, the company patented a technique to produce the deep blue or gold metallic luster for which Loetz is known all over the world. But it is with Art Nouveau that Loetz entered the world scene. At the world Exhibition of Paris in 1900, Loetz shared first prize with other famous Art Nouveau glassware makers Tiffany, Galle and Daum. Although many view Loetz glass as an attempt to emulate Tiffany, it was the other way around. Tiffany was impressed by Loetz's wares.From 1903, many Viennese artists worked for Loetz, including Koleman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and other members of the Wiener Werkstatte. The principal staff designer for Loetz, between 1903 and 1914, was Maria Kirschner. She was born in Prague but studied and practiced in Paris and Berlin. Typical of Loetz glassware is the special iridescence, which gives it a "special touch" of color and surface. Loetz also pioneered the use of electrolytic deposit techniques and patented many processes. Loetz glass making was inspired by Persian and Roman glass, as well as the typical inspirations of the Art Nouveau period found in Nature. After many financial difficulties, the company was dissolved in 1939.