This is a stunning and authentic Amphora Art Nouveau vase produced by the renowned Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel (RStK) factory in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia (back-then part of the Austrian Empire), around the turn of the 20th century (circa 1900s).
The vase features a beautifully sculpted body in the form of a tree trunk, showcasing the organic, naturalistic style that defines the Art Nouveau movement. It is adorned with expertly hand-applied decorations of graceful grapevines, detailed leaves, and deep blue/black grape clusters. The glazes are particularly notable, with a rich, iridescent matte finish that shifts in the light, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of this period.
The base of the vase is clearly marked, which confirms its authenticity and provides key details for collectors. The marks include:
The "AMPHORA" trademark in an oval, confirming the brand.
The "3581" model number, which identifies this specific form.
Additional factory marks "58", the Roman numeral "IV", and the letter "B", which are likely artist or decorator identification marks.
Height: 10.75 inches
Widest Point: 5.5 inches
Base Width: 5 inches
This magnificent vase is in overall excellent antique condition, displaying beautifully for a piece of its age. It is a stunning piece of art pottery from the circa 1900s, and is a fine example of the Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel factory's most celebrated work. The ceramic body, main glazes, and prominent applied grape clusters are intact and free of cracks or repairs.
As is common with delicate, hand-applied elements on antique pottery, there are some very small, minor chips on the edges of some of the leaves and a few small losses on the thin, sculpted vines. There is also a very tiny chip on the rim of the vase. These small flaws are not easily noticeable, especially since the rest of the vase is in such good condition. You can only see these small flaws if you are closely examining the item. These minor signs of age are to be expected from a piece of this time period and do not detract from its antique beauty or authenticity.
We have provided detailed photos of these areas (circled in blue) to ensure full transparency. The first 3 pictures, after the photo of the maker's marks, shows the small losses of the thin vines. The 5 photos after that show the small, minor chips on the edges of the leaves. The last photo shows the tiny chip on the rim of the vase.
Also, in the very last photo, I have circled a small white spot. This small spot is not damage, and it appears to be some sort of white substance stuck to the surface of the vase.