Jugendstil—the Germanic name for the sinuous, ethereal design style best known as Art Nouveau—rarely found better expression in ceramics that at the kilns of Amphora. In 1892, Austrian potter Alfred Stellmacher and four relatives opened a workshop that produced earthenware featuring plants, animals, mythical creatures, simulated jewels and even portraits in the style of Gustav Klimt and other fashionable painters of the era. Each piece was signed Amphora. The factory also produced ewers, bowls, tureens, and other diverse shapes. Located in the former spa resort town of Turn-Teplitz (now part of the Czech Republic), the Amphora factory took advantage of the abundant kaolin in the local riverbeds—as well as the energy produced by the rivers themselves—in manufacturing their arresting wares.
Amphora pieces were painstakingly produced via a method that included detailed sketches, intricate carving and molding and luminous iridescent glazing. All culminated with repeated firings of the clay—sometimes as many as ten times. As a result, the firm won worldwide acclaim, taking gold medals at the Chicago and St. Louis World’s Fairs. Its wares were sold by luxury emporiums like Tiffany & Co.
Collectors prize Amphora vases for their delicate, naturalistic designs, and larger pieces often command prices in the tens of thousands. Equally sought after are portrait busts featuring religious, literary and allegorical themes. If you’re mourning the end of Downton Abbey and you’d like to add a dash of Lady Edith’s bohemian flair to your home, an Amphora vase or bowl will serve as a unique conversation piece.
Austrian Art Nouveau Three Rooster Diminutive Vase with Talon Legs
By Franz Bergmann
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Austrian Art Nouveau Three Rooster Diminutive Vase with Talon Legs Austria, Circa 1890s, Franz Bergmann School, Unmarked This rare and striking Art Nouveau vase exemplifies the o...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Zsolnay "Pheasants" Jardinière
By Zsolnay
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Zsolnay jardiniere features a pair of golden pheasants with richly striated plumage in shimmering shades of gold, green, blue, and magenta. As lifelong mates, golden p...
Earthenware
$2,140
H 15.75 in W 9.85 in D 9.06 in
Ceramic Vase Art Nouveau Pottery Turn-Teplitz Bohemia Amphora, Austria
By Turn-Teplitz
Located in Asti, Piemonte
A ceramic Art Nouveau vase produced by Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia, made in Austria. Amphora manufacture between 1892 and 1905. Signed.
Ceramic
Antique Figural Amphora Vase
Located in Norwood, NJ
This is a wonderful quality example of Amphora pottery that features two full figural love birds that are perched on the top edge of the vase. Note the different glazes that bring wo...
Ceramic
$1,070
H 8.67 in Dm 5.12 in
Art Nouveau Ipsen - Danish Stoneware Vase with Bird & Oak Branch Relief 1920's
By P. Ipsens Enke
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional Art Nouveau stoneware vase by the esteemed Danish ceramics manufacturer P. Ipsens Enke, model number 13/50, dating to circa 1925. This sculptural work exemplifies the...
Ceramic
$39,000
H 20.25 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in
Rare Art Nouveau "Vase w/Oriental Dragon" by Eduard Stellmacher for RStK Amphora
By Eduard Stellmacher
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware
A large monumental Art Nouveau bronze peacock vase
Located in Wijnegem, BE
An exceptional and monumental Art Nouveau bronze vase, richly sculpted with two elegant peacocks embracing the vessel in a fluid, organic composition. Standing an impressive 110 cm h...
Bronze
Wilhelm Schiller & Sons Majolica Peacock Vase
By Wilhelm Schiller & Son
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Schiller Majolica vase which features a peacock seated on a pedestal. Coloration: Blue, green, yellow, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks for ...
Majolica
Art Nouveau Vase by Amphora
By Amphora
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Art Nouveau vase in blue and green enamelled porcelain, with gold details and handles with an elephant head design, made by AMPHORA. Signed crown seal, AMPH...
Porcelain
Wilhelm Schiller & Sons Majolica Peacock Vase
By Wilhelm Schiller & Son
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Schiller Majolica vase which features a peacock seated on a pedestal. Coloration: blue, green, yellow, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks for ...
Majolica
Large Antique Amphora Vase -- 18 Inch Height
Located in New York, NY
Very large (18 inch tall) antique Amphora vase dating from the 1890s with band depicting a family of thrush birds perched on tree limbs with honey...
Ceramic
Very Large Meiji Japanese Bronze Vase with Eagle in Relief
Located in New York, NY
Impressive antique Meiji period Japanese bronze vase with brown patina with a ferocious eagle in relief plus birds flying above ocean waves. 30 inches tall and 43 lbs. Apparently un...
Bronze
Large Aesthetic Porcelain Vase with Floral and Bird Decorations
Located in New York, NY
A large and unusual Aesthetic Movement porcelain vase with hand-painted floral and bird decorations. Stock number: PP31.
Porcelain
Exceptional 19th Century Neoclassical Sevres Style Porcelain Bronze Vase / Cover
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally painted, gilt and enameled 19th century French porcelain vase in the neoclassical Sevres style raised on bronze base, distinguished by its vivid and finely painted c...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Patinated Bronze Vase
Located in New York, NY
Large (18 inch tall) antique Japanese Meiji period bronze vase with warm brown patina and raised design of a dragon. Signed.
Bronze
Large 19th Century Japanese Satsuma Vase Depicting Flowers and Exotic Bird
Located in New York, NY
Very large (21 1/4 inch) antique (19th century) Satsuma vase with exceptional raised gilt and enameled designs of colorful flowers in bloom and an exotic bird. Underside signed in red.
Ceramic
