Antique Blue Porcelain Vase By Ernst Wahliss, Vienna, Circa 1894-1900

A superb antique hand-painted blue and gilt vase in the Art Nouveau style, made by the Ernst Wahliss manufactory in Vienna, Austria. This exquisite piece features blue and white chrysanthemum flowers painted on a background of varying shades of blue, adorned with delicate butterflies and dragonflies. The flowers are enhanced with gold enamel detailing and gold painted stamens, while the gilding on the rim and base enhances the elegance of the vase. The red coat of arms on the base, inscribed "EW, Turn Vienna", dates this piece to the late 19th century. Ernst Wahliss, born in 1836, was a leading Viennese retailer specialising in porcelain and ceramics. He opened his shop in Vienna in 1863 and was so successful that he expanded to major European cities, including London, supplying high-quality ceramics to various European royal families. In 1894, Ernst Wahliss bought Alfred Stellmacher's factory in Turn-Teplitz (now in the Czech Republic) and renamed it Ernst Wahliss Kunst, Porzellan und Fayence Fabrik. The factory produced a wide range of items and received numerous awards at exhibitions. After Ernst's death in 1900, his sons Hans and Erich purchased 600 moulds from the Imperial and Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna. They began producing reproductions of Vienna porcelain and in 1905 renamed the company Alexandra Porcelain Works Ernst Wahliss. In 1907, Gerhard Martin Wahliss bought the factory, which concentrated on the production of earthenware from 1910. The factory closed temporarily during World War I, became part of Porzellanfabrik Union AG in 1921, and ceased production in 1929. The vase is approximately 19.5 cm high, with a squat shape that is approximately 19 cm wide at its widest point. It is in excellent condition, the porcelain is undamaged and the painted pattern is unworn (the white spots in the photos are reflections from the lighting). This unique piece would be a centerpiece of any antique decorative ceramic collection! Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.