Daum

The Daum glassworks, an early champion of art nouveau and art deco, has continually changed its stylistic direction to stay fresh and creative. The 238 color photographs here portray the glassworks' output from its beginnings in Nancy, France, in 1878 with notary-turned-glassmaker Jean Daum. The firm produced effervescent pieces that reflected the currents of Japonism, symbolism, impressionism and cubism. Using pate de verre , a sculptured, translucent material ``akin to brushed velvet,'' its designers liberated glassware to produce true sculpture. They also worked pure crystal into abstract, fluid figures whose organic undulations may remind one of the work of Hans Arp or Henry Moore. Today, Daum glass artists explore a mosaic of styles, including miniature worlds of flora and fauna and ``neo-baroque'' pieces celebrating the ritual quality of everyday objects. Introducing this lavishly illustrated volume is an informative essay by Bacri, general director of Daum. (Aug . )