BOHEMIAN ART POTTERY
GERBING & STEPHAN MAJOLICA VASE
DRAGON HANDLES & DRAMATIC TWIN-SPOUTED NECK
CIRCA 1890–1900 · MODEL No. 1283 · 31.5CM HIGH
A STRIKING LATE 19TH-CENTURY BOHEMIAN VASE
A magnificent antique majolica vase by Gerbing & Stephan, combining a bold architectural form with richly moulded decoration and a pair of highly characterful dragon handles.

Standing approximately 31.5cm high, this impressive example has excellent presence and displays beautifully from every angle.

The vase has a substantial baluster-shaped body raised upon a circular spreading foot, supporting a tall tapering neck with a dramatic forked or twin-spouted upper section.

The two outward-curving lips create a distinctive sculptural silhouette, while the deep blue-green glazed interior provides an attractive contrast to the richly decorated exterior.

A pair of moulded dragon handles rise from the shoulders, each formed with curling bodies, stylised heads and sweeping foliate details.

The dragons are particularly expressive, giving the vase a strong Gothic and fantastical character while complementing the elaborate Renaissance Revival decoration.

The rounded body is divided into broad decorative panels containing raised circular medallions, interlaced motifs, scrolling ornament and repeated geometric designs.

Similar decoration continues along the tall neck and spreading foot, creating a dense and carefully balanced design across the entire piece.

The surface is finished in a restrained but richly varied palette of cream, ochre, olive green, brown and muted blue, with the glaze collecting within the moulded recesses to emphasise the depth of the decoration.

The combination of complex moulding, contrasting glazes and an unusual twin-spouted form makes this a particularly decorative example of late 19th-century Bohemian art pottery.

IMPRESSED FACTORY MARKS

The underside carries the impressed Gerbing & Stephan factory mark, together with the impressed model number 1283 and further production or decorator markings.

These surviving marks provide an important reference for the attribution and help identify the piece as part of the factory’s distinctive range of highly decorated historicist pottery.

Additional hand-painted letters are also visible beneath the base and are likely to relate to its manufacture or decoration.

DETAILS & MEASUREMENT
Maker: Gerbing & Stephan
Origin: Bohemia
Date: Circa 1890–1900
Material: Glazed earthenware / majolica
Form: Baluster vase with forked twin-spouted neck
Handles: Pair of moulded dragons
Style: Renaissance Revival / Historicist
Decoration: Raised medallions, interlaced ornament and geometric motifs
Colours: Cream, ochre, brown, olive green and muted blue
Interior: Contrasting blue-green glaze
Factory Mark: Impressed G.St mark
Model Number: 1283
Height: Approximately 31.5cm
CONDITION

Presented in very good antique condition overall.

No chips, cracks or repairs have been identified.

Both dragon handles remain intact, as does the unusual twin-spouted neck.

There are general signs of age and previous display, including light surface wear, minor marks and natural variation within the glazes.

Fine glaze crazing and occasional small firing or glaze irregularities are present, consistent with the age and method of manufacture.

The underside and foot rim display expected surface wear and discolouration from standing and handling.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of the moulded decoration, factory marks, glaze, handles, neck and overall condition.

SCULPTURAL, ELABORATE & HIGHLY DISTINCTIVE
A superb Bohemian art pottery vase combining dramatic dragon handles, an unusual twin-spouted neck and exceptionally rich moulded decoration.

A striking acquisition for collectors of Gerbing & Stephan, antique majolica, Bohemian ceramics or decorative late 19th-century art pottery.
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GERBING & STEPHAN · BOHEMIAN MAJOLICA · ART POTTERY