Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2015.

Diatreta Vase

Artist Frederick Carder (American (b. England), 1893 - 1963)

CultureAmerican

Date1958

MediumPâte de verre glass

Dimensions6 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (17.1 × 21.6 cm)
Overall, Rim: 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)

InscribedInscription around top: “STRAIGHT IS THE LINE OF DUTY. CURVED IS THE LINE OF BEATUY” on cartouches below panels: alternating “FC” monogram (x3) and “1958” (x3) on bottom: signed in center: “F. Carder 1958” in a different script around bottom edge: “Eric E. Ericson REG 19

Markings

Credit LineGift of Leah and Richard Waitzer in recognition of Jeff Harrison and his 33 years of service to the Chrysler Museum of Art

Object number2015.12

Collections

Glass Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 116-9, Case 52

DescriptionThis work is a cire perdue (lost wax) glass diatreta (cage cup) vase with inscription around top edge. It features six large panels with raised latticework; in between the panels there are three grotesque male masks. Beneath the panels are six small cartouches with alternating monograms of Frederick Carder in script “FC” (x3) and “1958” (x3). The glass is clear with marbleized cobalt blue swirls, interspersed with some opaque, lighter cobalt blue swirls. There are at least two small holes (about 1 in.) that have been filled in with plaster or other white material.
Label TextFrederick Carder American, b. United Kingdon, 1893-1963 Diatreta Vase, ca. 1955 Pâte de verre glass Diatreta means "perforated" in Greek and refers to the raised lattice of glass over the surface of this vase. This vessel was inspired by an ancient Roman type, on which a colored "cage" of lattice was revealed after grinding through the outer layer of glass. Here, however, Carder used a lost-wax casting method, a much more challenging and risky way of producing the same effect. This represents an extraordinary achievement in glassmaking. For years Carder headed the renowned Steuben Glassworks and, upon retirement, began creating his own glass art. Gift of Leah and Richard Waitzer in recognition of Jeff Harrison and his 33 years of service to the Chrysler Museum of Art 2015.12ProvenanceBarbara and Philip Hoover (Sotheby’s, New York, 12 and 13 November 1982, lot 88). Leah and Richard Waitzer (Sotheby’s, New York, Twentieth Century Decorative Arts, Friday, March 16, 1990-Saturday, March 17, 1990, lot 522). Gift of Leah and Richard Waitzer to Chrysler Museum of Art, September 24, 2015. Exhibition HistoryBarbara and Philip Hoover, Sotheby’s, New York, 12 and 13 November 1982, lot 88. Published ReferencesDiane C. Wright (editor), _Glass Masterworks from the Chrysler Museum of Art_ (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2017), pg. 160-161.