Stylish sculpture of a green snake – Daum company

In Chinese astrology, according to the theory of the Five Elements, the color green is associated with the Wood element. Each year of the Chinese zodiac is linked not only to an animal sign but also to one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

The Wood element embodies growth, vitality, and expansion. In the Chinese horoscope, the color green symbolizes these qualities, as well as renewal, harmony, and prosperity. The upward-facing snake head represents aspirations, ambition, and the desire to achieve higher goals or attain spiritual enlightenment. The open mouth of the snake symbolizes communication, expression, and openness to contact with the outside world.

Daum is a brand of the highest quality craftsmanship combined with a passion for creating beautiful objects.

Discover the history

Daum, a legendary master glassmaker who for over a century has maintained close relationships with the greatest artists of his time, giving their works a second life in crystal and color. From École de Nancy, Art Nouveau, to decorative arts, from Majorelle to Dalí, Arman, and Hilton McConnico, Daum has never missed a magical encounter between artistic creativity and modern knowledge, continually renewing the union of art and exceptional craftsmanship.

Few brands have collaborated with so many artists: over nearly 140 years, more than 350 exceptional autographs have created an unparalleled legacy, a unique collection of its kind.

How can we translate these works into crystal sculptures? Here is Daum’s secret: a creator of extraordinary objects, highly trained artisans, a laboratory of wonders, a designer of beautiful items.

Creation methods

The pâte de cristal technique is rare and very ancient. It appeared as early as 5000 BC (found in the tombs of pharaohs). Long forgotten, it was rediscovered by Daum in 1900 and further developed in 1968. This process is extremely delicate. Products made by combining pieces of crystal mixed in molds feature graininess, material richness, and soft contours that cannot be achieved with blown glass.

Daum’s signature, copied but never matched—the pâte de cristal—is a precious material that gives the object a sculptural dimension and continues to evolve. This crystal paste has the unique property of imparting transparency to the shapes it recreates. The shine, vibrant colors, and subdued shades give it an unmistakable character.

The pâte de cristal contains nearly 30% lead. The material is produced from specially prepared crystal in kilns. Several factors influence the final color: weighing of materials, mixture proportions, chemical reactions of certain minerals and metals, temperature rise, and cooling of the furnaces.

Thanks to the Daum-developed lost-wax casting method and crystal casting techniques, reproducing the original is perfect and faithful to the artist’s intent. Currently, Daum is the only manufacturer in the world capable of creating this exceptional material with such precision. The pâte de cristal is a substance that has evolved over more than a century, adapting to the whims of master glassmakers’ imaginations. It is through mastery and ongoing research that world-renowned masterpieces are born.