Rare Vase With Knight Portrait By Amphora, Czechoslovakia, C. 1920

This rare Art Deco vase, created around 1920 by Amphora in Trnovany, Czechoslovakia, is notable for its unique shape and elaborate decorations. The body of the vase features a blurred blue enamel applied over a sand-colored base, which creates a striking visual contrast. On opposite sides of the vase are two oval depictions: one of a knight and the other of a stylized knight's tournament scene. These medieval themes are common motifs in both Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs, emphasizing romanticized historical elements.
The vase is further adorned with applied enamel in purple, white, and blue, forming delicate leaves and hearts that enhance its decorative appeal. The gilt contours along the vase’s intricate details, particularly around the handles, add a luxurious touch, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship for which Amphora is renowned.
The blue stamp on the bottom, labeled “AMPHORA Made in Czecho-Slovakia,” dates the vase to the post-WWI period, following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the formation of Czechoslovakia. This stamp confirms the piece's authenticity and situates it within the broader historical changes occurring in Central Europe during the early 20th century.
Amphora, founded in 1892 by Alfred Stellmacher and his family, became internationally acclaimed for its innovative and stylistically diverse ceramics. Formally known as Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel, the company produced art pottery that blended Art Nouveau and later Art Deco elements, both of which emphasized organic forms, intricate decorations, and modern aesthetics.
The combination of applied enamel, gilded details, and vivid colors makes this piece particularly sought-after among collectors of Amphora pottery. Amphora achieved significant international acclaim after winning prizes at the Chicago and St. Louis World’s Fairs, with its pieces marketed by prestigious firms such as Tiffany & Co. Despite the brand’s prominence in the art pottery world, Amphora remains relatively unknown to the broader public, which makes rare pieces like this vase valuable among collectors. Post-WWI Amphora items marked “Czechoslovakia” are especially desirable, as they represent the later phase of the company’s production during a time of significant political and cultural shifts in Europe.
This Amphora vase is a fine example of early 20th-century Bohemian ceramic art, combining elements of Art Deco design with medieval themes and exceptional craftsmanship. Its unique blend of artistic styles, historical context, and detailed execution make it a valuable addition to any collection of antique ceramics.
Dimensions: Height 42.5 cm, Width 23.5 cm, Depth 21 cm
Condition: There is some scuffing of the enamel consistent with age, mainly on the blue background and at the base of the handles. The painted scenes on both sides are in excellent condition.
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