Émile Gallé was born on May 8^th, 1846 in Nancy, France, the son of a furniture and faience manufacturer. Though he studied botany and drawing in his younger years, he later learned glassblowing. After first using predominantly clear glass with enamel decorations, he soon developed his own, original style — opaque, heavy glass that was etched or carved with plant themes. He would frequently use two or more colors to create cameo glass.

At the Paris Exhibition of 1878, his work was well received, and his career took off. In the following decades, he continued to use nature as an inspiration while at the same time exploring experimental techniques. He earned international acclaim when his work was shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1889.

Some of his most pioneering artworks incorporated the use of air bubbles and metallic foils. He also used acid etching, wheel cutting and casing — or the use of multiple layers of glass. 

In the late 19^th century, Gallé established a factory in Nancy to mass produce his own works, as well as that of other artists. In 1901, he also co-founded the École de Nancy with Antonin Daum, amongst others. 

Gallé’s work often fetches high prices at auctions. For example, in a 2016 auction at Christies, a “Calla Lily” vase with tones of purple, dark green, midnight blue and white fetched $106,250. At the same auction, a stunning “Seagulls” vase in aqua blue and icy white realized $72,500. And at an auction in 2018, a “Tétards” vase — or tadpoles — was expected to sell for between $100,000 and $150,000.