Figural Porcelain Vase, Ernst Wahliss, Royal Vienna, C. 1894-1900

Large antique Art Nouveau porcelain vase by Ernst Wahliss, Austria, created in the late 19th century. This superb vase depicts a pair of barefoot young girls in flowing, dark bronze dresses. One supports the top of the vase with both hands, while the other holds a basket of grapes and helps hold the vase in place with her other hand. The vase is made of two parts and is secured with iron fittings. The base is decorated with bunches of grapes and roses. The red coat of arms on the bottom, marked "Turn, Vienna, Made in Austria", dates this piece to the late 19th century. The vase is masterfully made by the skilled craftsmen of yesteryear. Ernst Wahliss, born in 1836, was one of Vienna's leading porcelain and ceramic retailers. He opened his shop in Vienna in 1863. His business was so successful that he was able to open other shops in major European cities such as London, supplying many European royal families with ceramics of the highest quality. In 1894, Ernst Wahliss took over the Alfred Stellmacher factory in Turn-Teplitz (now part of the Czech Republic). He renamed the factory Ernst Wahliss Kunst, Porzellan und Fayence Fabrik. The company produced large quantities of various objects and received many awards at exhibitions. Ernst died in 1900. Two years later, his sons Hans and Erich purchased 600 molds from the Imperial and Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna. Using these molds, they began to make reproductions of Vienna porcelain. In 1905, the company was renamed Alexandra Porcelain Works Ernst Wahliss. In 1907 the factory was bought by Gerhard Martin Wahliss. In 1910 the factory focused on the production of earthenware. The factory closed temporarily due to the First World War. In 1921 it was integrated into Porzellanfabrik Union AG, and in 1929 production was stopped. Dimensions of the object: Height 39 cm, diameter of the upper bowl 26 cm. Weight 1964 grams. Condition: The figurine is in excellent condition and shows no visible signs of cracks, chips or restoration. The interior of the bowl has been painted, but the figurine is in excellent condition. Please study the photographs accompanying the object carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.