Manufacturer: Amphora / Reissner, Stellmacher & Kessel
Location of Manufacture: Turn-Teplitz, Austria
Period of Manufacture: circa 1890
Dimensions: 14 1/4"(h) x 7 3/4"(w) x 4 1/4"(d)
Weight: 4 pounds

For your consideration is a stupendous example of Art Nouveau Austrian "Amphora" porcelain. This massive vase is flanked by the front portions of two majestic lions standing in absolute strength. The base, center and superior portions of the vase are decorated with flourishes typical of the Art Nouveau period that have been glazed with vibrant green, royal blue and purple - minus these flourishes, the remainer of the vase is entirely gilt. The vase is impressed on its underside "Amphora" in an oval, "Austria" in an oval and carries the model number "11994".

From Jason Jacques' Gallery, an enlightening biography on Amphora:

"In 1892, after 17 years as a leader in ceramics production, Alfred Stellmacher encouraged his son and sons-in-law to establish a porcelain manufactory. Named after its owners Riessner, Stellmacher and Kessel (RSt&K), and employing son-in-law Paul Dachsel, the firm consistently marked pieces with the word Amphora by the late 1890s and became subsequently known by that name.

The Amphora factory was located in Turn-Teplitz, Austria (now in the Czech Republic). Teplitz, once a spa town that attracted the likes of Goethe and Beethoven, had lost its luster over time because of the increasing intrusion of industrial activity. Turn, which had served Teplitz’s spa-goers with diversions including lush gardens and beautiful villas, was also affected by gradual industrialization. By the mid-19th century, the area formed a de facto ceramics production center that was also home to Kunstkeramik Paul Dachsel, Eduard Stellmacher, and Ernst Wahliss. Porcelain manufactories found the region advantageous because local riverbeds provided an abundant supply of kaolin, an essential ingredient of porcelain.The rivers themselves were sources of energy, and the nearby railroads made it easier to quickly sell and export ceramics across Europe.

When originally incorporated, Amphora imitated the Orientalist and Neo-Baroque styles favored by Alfred Stellmacher. The combined talents of skilled designers like Eduard Stellmacher, Paul Dachsel, and a host of decorators from the Special Ceramics School of Teplitz allowed the Amphora manufacture to quickly develop a unique genre of Art Nouveau ceramics. What unified its output was an unparalleled concern for fine and high-quality design, as well as Alfred Stellmacher’s use of “ivory porcelain”, a matte yellowish material that was malleable, yet resistant to high temperatures. Amphora’s stylistic diversity, combined with its unwavering standard of quality, made it a world leader among industrial manufacturers of art pottery.

An important series from one remarkable decade — 1894 to 1904 —feature plants (including applied flowers and fruit), animals, mythical creatures, Klimt- and Mucha-style portraits, biomorphic designs, and simulated jewels. The departure of Paul Dachsel in 1903 and Eduard Stellmacher in 1904 marked the end of Amphora’s golden age.

Keywords: jugendstil 19th century parcel gold gilded animal ceramic vessel figural european bohemian austrian art pottery lioness royalty strength roaring grotesque

Item is in excellent condition with no damage, breaks, chips or repairs. There is some losses to gilding noted and a few very small and tight hairlines extending downward from the rim. Please see pictures to appreciate that these hairlines are minor and in no danger of worsening with proper handling and care.

14.25 x 7.75 x 4.25 in

64 oz