WMF (Württembergische MetallwarenFabrik) has had a long and illustrious career in the field of metalware. Their Art Nouveau production is particularly sought after by collectors. Their glass production has been definitely and conclusively documented in WMF Ikora and Myra Glass (Stuttgart: Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2003) by Carlo Burschel and Heinz Scheiffele, and indespensable reference for collectors and dealers.
However, as is usually the case, both Ikora glass and Myra glass are routinely offered under other denominations. Ikora glass was the inspiration for Loetz Schaum glass and is often confused with it; I will not repeat what can be found in the book. My purpose is to provide pictures so that collectors may distinguish between WMF Ikora and Loetz Schaum (see Loetz 3). This becomes particularly difficult when it comes to a line of yellow Ikora called "Medusa," which is practically indistinguishable from Loetz yellow Schaum.
The reason so many Ikora pieces can still be found is quite simple: Though production began in the 1930's, it continued after WWII until the 50's. Most pieces are quite heavy-walled, with flat bottoms, and one can still find original paper labels attached to them. A distinct pattern of vertical stripes is characteristic of many pieces. All of these vases are attributed to WMF's principal designer and general manager from the 20's to the 50's, Karl Wiedmann.
 1. E139. 4081 ROT
The vase above is the largest piece I own, at 16". Here is an 11" version with a more intense color and more desirable decor:  2. IKORA RED 2
An example in orange:
 3. ORANGE IKORA Another example with less intense color but with the characteristic vertical stripes. I also have this shape in green:
 4. IKORA ORANGE-RED
An example in green:
 5. GREEN IKORA The next two examples, both in brown, depart from the forms we have seen so far. I once owned the vase below with a "Faberware" paper label!
 6. IKORA BROWN, SQUARE
The next vase has a very unusual shape:
 7. IKORA REDDISH BROWN One other designer is associated with WMF's glass production, Walter Dexel, who created the celebrated "Dexel-EI" (Dexel Egg):
 8. DEXEL EGG VASE
And now for something completely different. Ikora also comprised pieces that could easily pass as Loetz Tango! This is model E629 in 5021/green. A tomato red was designated 5919.
 9. E629 5021 A hypothesis: For years I have had this unidentified bowl. It might just be an example of Ikora's Mother of Pearl glass:  10. IKORA MOTHER OF PEARL?
Final comments: Ikora is later than Myra glass. The story goes it was created as Weidmann and his men tried to repair a piece of damaged Myra by covering it with another layer of clear glass. Notice I do not have any example of "Medusa", the yellow version of Ikora. Every single example I have bought has turned out to be Loetz! |