Daum (Co.)

(French, established 1878)

Daum is a crystal and glassware manufacturer based in Nancy, France. The studio is known for their Art Nouveau-style vases, bowls, and animal figurines, made using the pâte de verre process by which crushed glass is molded together and then set in a kiln. Since its inception, the company has collaborated with a number of artists and designers including Salvador Dali, Arman, and Philippe Starck. Founded by Jean Daum in 1878, the company was inherited by his two sons Antonin and Auguste at the turn of the 20th century. At the Universal Exhibition of 1900, Daum was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix medal for its intricate designs. Under the leadership of Philippe and Auguste Daum, the company began using more sophisticated techniques, including etching, carving, and enameling, for which they later became famous. It was also during this time that Daum began working with the pâte de verre method, which had been rarely used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Today, the company’s crystal and glassware can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Nancy, among others.