Canadian Vintage Art Glass: The Coveted Lorraine Iris Vase

Lorraine Glass Industries, a distinguished Canadian glasshouse active during the 1960s and 1970s, shares a narrative akin to that of EDAG and Chalet. A notable distinction lies in its ownership; Earl Myer, a businessman rather than an Italian glassblower, led the company. Myer, who also helmed S.P. Myers & Company Ltd., focused on importing decorative items and bohemian / Czechoslovakian glass (Andrus, 2017). Lorraine Glass is renowned for its distinct style, especially evident in its vases, which diverge significantly from Murano glass, showcasing a blend of Canadian and American influences with touches of Czech/Bohemian elegance. Among their creations, Lorraine vases stand out in today's market for their desirability, with the Iris vase topping the list in terms of value, collectability, and demand within the vintage Canadian glass community. The rarity of these vases varies, with some considered nearly mythical, akin to a unicorn, and others known only in limited quantities, making them especially prized among collectors.

The Iris vase, in particular, is celebrated for its artistic interpretation of the Iris flower, with its intricate petal design that cascades both upwards and downwards along a gracefully elongated body, akin to a stem, all supported by a meticulously crafted base with "toes" for enhanced stability. This base not only serves a functional purpose but also adds to the vase's aesthetic appeal, making it a standout piece in any collection.

In terms of coloration, the Iris vase showcases a splendid array of hues, predominantly featuring two-tone designs that add depth and vibrancy. While two-tone vases are more prevalent, the rarer single-color variants and those encased in Lorraine's signature salmon pink hue are particularly sought after for their uniqueness and beauty. The standard Iris vases typically range in height from 12 to 18 inches, with the majority being 14 inches. The miniaturized versions, which range from 6 to 9.5 inches in height, offer collectors the charm of the Iris design in a compact form. The diversity in the vases' dimensions include variations in the width at the vase's top and body. The vases' top widths vary from 8 to 12 inches, with most around 8 to 9 inches, and the body width ranges from 3 to 5 inches. These variations in dimensions further contributes to their allure, allowing for a range of expressions within the same design motif.

The base design of the Iris vase, characterized by its "toes," is a testament to Lorraine's attention to detail and commitment to quality. Standard models typically feature three "toes," while the larger variants are supported by eight, ensuring that each vase not only looks exquisite but is also structurally sound. The number of "points" or petals is another aspect where variation plays a significant role; standard vases exhibit three upward and three downward points, while the larger models present four in each direction, creating a fuller and more intricate floral representation.

For enthusiasts and collectors, the color rarity of these vases is a subject of great interest. The lime encased in salmon stands out as the rarest, with only two within the collector community. Following closely are the tie-dye, blue encased in salmon, and purple-over-blue variants, each with a limited number of pieces discovered to date. The predominance of two-tone vases makes the single-tone variants all the more rare and coveted. Additionally, certain colors remain elusive, speculated to exist based on patterns seen in the mini Iris series or known to be part of Lorraine's palette, such as solid emerald green, purple, or blue. A few weeks after this article was published a solid blue 17" Iris has been seen, and is imaged below. These "unicorn" colors add an element of mystery and excitement to the hunt for these exquisite pieces.

The Mini Iris collection features an array of captivating single-tone colors including olive, amber, purple, blue, and green, alongside enchanting two-tone variations. The palette within each single-tone category showcases a remarkable spectrum of shades. For instance, the blue pieces range from a delicate, ethereal ice blue to a profound and intense dark blue. Similarly, the orange selections span from a deep, rich reddish tone to a lighter hue that almost touches the warmth of yellow. This diversity in coloration not only highlights the artistic versatility of the series but also offers collectors a wide range of aesthetic choices to suit varied preferences and decors.

Unlike some of its contemporaries, Lorraine opted not to sign or etch its glassware, instead using stickers to mark its creations. The Iris vase, when found with the original Lorraine "Made in Canada" sticker, provides authenticity and adds to the historical value of the piece, making it a treasured find for any collector.

The Iris vase series from Lorraine Glass Industries stands as a pinnacle of Canadian vintage art glass, embodying the fusion of artistic design and masterful craftsmanship. Each vase, with its unique characteristics and variations, tells a story of creativity and innovation, making them not just objects of beauty but also of cultural and historical significance. For collectors and admirers alike, the pursuit of these vases is more than just a hobby; it's a journey into the rich tapestry of Canadian glass-making heritage.

Works Cited;

Andrus, Bruno Victor (2017) Trajectoires fluides et croisements lumineux : histoire du verre d’art au Québec dans le contexte d’Expo 67. PhD thesis, Concordia University.