Pair Ernst Wahliss Royal Vienna Art Nouveau Porcelain Female Figures c1900
Description
Pair Ernst Wahliss Vienna Art Nouveau Porcelain Female Figures Austrian c1900
On offer is a striking example of Ernst Wahliss Vienna Art Nouveau porcelain: matching companion figures 4677 and 4678 from around 1900, each standing approximately 24.5cm / 9⅝" high.
An important condition point first: one figure has a detached arm requiring reattachment. This provides an opportunity to acquire a matching pair of Ernst Wahliss figures at a much lower price than would be expected if both were intact. The complete original arm is present and was temporarily positioned for some photographs to show how the figure displays. No permanent restoration has been attempted, leaving the new owner free to decide on their preferred method of repair.
These are wonderfully decorative figures. Both women are moving, their long dresses flowing around them: one leans gracefully forward holding a small ball, while the other gathers her dress as she steps forward. They look equally impressive displayed together as companion figures or separately in their own right.
There is plenty to hold the eye. Their flowing dresses combine soft ivory and pale green with warm brown and gilt detailing. Delicately painted faces, swept-back hair, flowers and foliage continue the decoration, while the unusual textured green bases are finished with dark brown borders and gilt roundels.
At nearly 10 inches tall, they have real presence on a shelf, cabinet or sideboard. Their flowing Art Nouveau forms and restrained colours also sit remarkably well in a modern interior, as the room-setting photograph illustrates.
The Ernst Wahliss connection
Ernst Wahliss (1837–1900) was a prominent Viennese ceramics dealer and manufacturer whose name became associated with highly decorative Austrian ceramics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1894 he acquired the Alfred Stellmacher factory at Turn-Teplitz, where increasingly naturalistic and flowing designs were produced around the turn of the century.
Model 4678 carries the blue EW / Turn Wien crown mark associated with Ernst Wahliss, together with DEPOSÉ and MADE IN AUSTRIA.
Its companion has 4677 impressed into the base, while both figures share the additional red 185 and impressed 4 markings. The consecutive 4677/4678 model numbers, matching manufacture, decoration and bases, together with their complementary modelling, identify them as companion figures designed to stand together in harmony.
Other documented examples of models 4677 and 4678 have also been offered together as an Ernst Wahliss pair, providing further confirmation of the identification.
The EW crown mark found on 4678 dates to approximately 1897–1906, making c.1900 an appropriate date for the pair.
Dimensions & details
Height: approx. 24.5cm / 9⅝" each
Models: 4677 and 4678
Material: Porcelain
Origin: Austria
Date: c.1900
Marked figure: EW / Turn Wien crown mark, Deposé, Made in Austria
Condition
Very good antique condition overall. The modelling, painted decoration, flowers and gilt detailing are all pleasing to the eye.
As noted in the description, one has a detached arm, which was temporarily positioned for some photographs and there are clear photos showing the break. No permanent restoration was attempted, leaving the new owner free to choose their preferred method of repair.
Please study the photographs, including the close views, as these form part of the condition report.
Postage & Delivery
Delivery options to UK postcodes and eBay Global Shipping are in the listing
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