2004.48.5, Denaides vase, Rene Jules Lalique (designer), French, c. 1926

This swelling cylindrical vase in frosted glass, molded in low relief by French glass designer René Jules Lalique, was inspired by Greek mythology. According to Greek mythology, the Danaïdes were the fifty daughters of Danaus forced by their uncle Aegyptus to marry their fifty cousins. On their wedding night, all but one of the sisters were compelled by their father to murder their respective husbands. In the Greek underworld, their punishment was to forever carry water, but with urns riddled with holes. Despite the bleak subject, René Lalique's design suggests demure grace and beauty: a progression of six female figures in various poses pouring polished streams of water from shoulder height urns.

About 1926: Lalique et Cie, Cristallerie, Wingen-sur-Moder, France

Until 2004: Mr. Michael Steinberg and Mrs. Michael (Susanna) Steinberg (owned jointly), San Francisco, California [1]

From 2004: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Steinberg in 2004 [1]

[1]  According to TMS Acquisition data (2004.48.5), December 2004

By Aaron Gerschel [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to being a master glassmaker and jeweller, Lalique was well-known in the 1920s for the radiator caps he designed for cars of the era.

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