A miniature is defined as a vase under 2.5", smaller than a cabinet vase (THANKS, IVAN!).  Loetz miniatures were designed as "vinaigrettes", small perfume bottles which were carried around by the European upper classes to quell the stench from their own bodies and their environment (baths once a year, no plumbing, streets as sewers and public toilets.   THANKS, GARY!).  But by the late XIX century, conditions had improved,and they were actually luxury objects, designed as salesman samples, sample perfume bottles given to wealthy customers by perfume shops, and even dollhouse decoration.  Victor Arwas, in his book on the Liberty style, has a page of Loetz miniatures carrying the retailer's label.  One of mine has a provenance label. They come in two basic decors: Silberiris and Papillon and a few basic shapes.  Loetz you can carry in your pocket and does not empty you bank account. (THANKS TO DEB FOR THE DESIGN BOOK PICTURE OF 487, AND TO DAVID FOR HIS PICTURES!)


THE PASSAU MUSEUM HAS A GROUP OF MINIATURE VASES IN ITS COLLECTION.  AS OF 2000, THEY WERE PLACED IN CASE 277.  UNFORTUNATELY, MY PHOTOGRAPH IS BLURRY. THE ONLY OTHER DOCUMENTATION ON LOETZ MINIATURES COMES FROM VICTOR ARWAS' THE LIBERTY STYLE,