The Daum glass factory were founded by Jean Daum in 1878 in Nancy, Lorraine, in partnership with his son Auguste. The company was taken over by Auguste Daum alone in 1885 on the death of the founder, and in 1891 he and his brother created an artistic department able to rival with the great names in Art Nouveau glassmaking, such as Émile Gallé. It was during this period that he developed techniques specific to the Art Nouveau movement, including acid etching, multi-layered glass, wheel engraving and pâte de verre. Combining the manufactured aspect of production with more artisanal technics, the company created over 3,000 models between 1890 and 1914. 

Incontestable on the artistic scene during this period, their dazzling success was marked by their participation in numerous events such as the Exposition Universelle in 1893 in Chicago, and the 1900 and subsequent Expositions Universelles.