Antique Rudolstadt Rw Vases With Dolphins, Late 19th Century

A rare pair of hand painted German porcelain oval lidded vases, these pieces are authentic antiques from the Rudolstadt Straus & Söhne company. The vases feature a rich cobalt blue colour and are decorated with an unusual and intricate hand painted design, making them a perfect addition to any collection. Each vase is supported by four dolphins and features goat head handles with horns, all fully gilded. The finials on the lids are also decorated with elaborate gilded designs. The vases are decorated with floral motifs depicting multi-coloured asters. The generous use of gilding adds to their luxurious and attractive appearance. These vases have been made using traditional porcelain techniques and have a rich history spanning over a century. Brief history of the company: In 1869, Lazarus Straus founded Lazarus Straus & Sons, an American company specializing in the import and wholesale of ceramics and glass. In 1882, the New York and Rudolstadt Pottery Company was founded in the United States, with a German subsidiary headed by Julius Straus, a relative of Lazarus. This subsidiary, called Porzellanfabrik Rudolstadt Straus & Söhne AG, produced luxury coffee and tea services, figurines, and tableware. Initially, all items were produced in the Rudolstadt factory. As the company expanded, the Rudolstadt factory also coordinated and exported pieces produced in other factories in Bohemia and France. In 1891, the company established further subsidiaries in France (a decoration workshop in the Limoges region) and in Austrian Bohemia. The Rudolstadt factory then became the coordination and export center for all subsidiaries. By 1913, the German factory employed about 300 people, about a third of whom were dedicated exclusively to export operations. The Rudolstadt factory eventually began manufacturing items for sale in Europe. However, business declined in the 1920s and the Rudolstadt factory closed in 1930. Today, the most successful pieces from this factory are highly sought after by collectors. At the time of their creation, vases of this complexity were produced in very limited quantities and, after a century of wars and other cataclysms, they remain unique and exclusive. Vase dimensions: Height: 33 cm, Width: 19 cm, Depth: 13 cm, Total weight: 2132 grams Condition: Minor scratches to the gilding due to age. Otherwise, the object is in excellent condition. Please study the photographs accompanying the item carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging and postage.