Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Austrian, 1904-1979
Credited with thousands of works and models for ceramic pieces, Walter Bosse was an intensely prolific designer. The modernist Austrian sculptor and ceramist was best known for his distinctive “Black Golden” series of decorative objects and figurines, particularly his hedgehog ashtrays. Bosse’s mid-century and Art Deco works were popular as gifts for politicians and royalty worldwide, remaining coveted among collectors today.
Bosse was born in Vienna in 1904 to artist parents — his father, Julius, was a portrait painter for the Austrian Imperial Court. Bosse studied at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna from 1918 to 1921 under Austrian sculptor Michael Powolny and Austrian painter Franz Cizek. Later, he continued at the Munich School of Applied Arts in Germany under Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann, a founder of the Vienna Secession movement.
Early in his career, Bosse worked as a designer at several ceramics manufacturers, including Augarten Porcelain Works in 1924, Goldscheider Porcelain Manufactory and Majolica Factory in 1926 and Metzler and Ortloff in 1927. In 1925, Bosse displayed several pieces at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris, which introduced the Art Deco style to a global audience.
In 1931, Bosse opened a shop in Kufstein, Austria, selling ceramic gift items. Owing to the crippling economic effects of the Great Depression, however, Bosse was forced to close his shop in 1937. He returned to Vienna in 1938 and opened another business, Bosse Keramik, where he sold toys, glass, textiles and more. In the late 1940s, Bosse experimented with small-scale brass sculptures and desk accessories coated in black ceramic glaze. With Austrian designer Herta Baller, Bosse formed the Bosse-Baller company to manufacture the “Black Golden” line of figurines, which became wildly popular worldwide.
Despite Bosse’s success, he struggled financially and moved to Iserlohn, Germany, in 1953. Meanwhile, Baller continued to manufacture and sell Bosse’s designs, which were so popular that forgers copied and sold counterfeit editions of Bosse’s works around the world. The 1950s marked the debut of the artist’s whimsically zoomorphic hedgehog ashtrays — these were cast in brass, and a hedgehog ashtray in any other material is not a Bosse original.
Bosse spent the rest of his life embroiled in court battles to protect his designs, leaving him penniless by the time he died. Today authentic Bosse pieces — from wall-mounted sculptures to tableware — continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
Find vintage Walter Bosse serveware, wall decorations and more on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Walter Bosse
DONKEY Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse figurine BULL brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Figurine: Bull Taurus. New production made in Austria. The figurine is special in its own way and requires 14 work steps. It is a "lost wax casting" piece.
Model number 6094
In 200...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse figurine BOAR brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Boar. New production made in Austria. The figurine is special in its own way and requires 14 work steps. It is a "lost wax casting" piece.
Model number BO21
In 2000 a Viennese publi...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Dancing Women Sculpture in Brass by Walter Bosse, 1950's
By Walter Bosse
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Dancing Women Sculpture in Brass by Walter Bosse, 1950's
Additional Information:
Material: Brass
Style: Mid century, Europe
Produced by Hertha Baller in...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse figurine Pair of CATS brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of Cats. New production made in Austria. The figurine is special in its own way and requires 14 work steps. It is a "lost wax casting" piece.
In 2000 a Viennese public house re...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse figurines Elephant brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse figurine Penguin brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Penguin. New production made in Austria. The figurine is special in its own way and requires 14 work steps. It is a "lost wax casting" piece.
In 2000 a Viennese public house release...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse figurines Duck brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Giraffe Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Early Walter Bosse Figure Ceramic Art Deco Putti Goldscheider Augarten 1930
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Figural Dog Coat Hook Walter Bosse Cast Brass / Bronze Mid Century Modern
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Iconic mid century modern black patinated brass or bronze figural dog coat hook, designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller in the 1950s/60s.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Hand Sculpture Figurative Ashtray Pin Dish Vide Poche c. 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful modernist vide poche or ashtray in the shape of a hand designed by Walter Bosse and probably executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Figural Cow / Bull Coat Hook Walter Bosse Cast Brass / Bronze Mid Century Modern
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Iconic mid century modern black patinated brass or bronze figural cow or bull coat hook, designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller in the 1950s/60s.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse, for Herta Baller, "Black Gold Line" Porcupine in Bronze, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical and unique solid brass catch it all jewelry ring holder, circa 1950's practical and unique.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Teddy Bear in Black Golden Line from the Famous Designer Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in ARGENTEUIL, FR
Beautiful and charming little teddy bear in black golden line from the famous designer designer
Walter Bosse (1904 - 1979)
Beautiful original patina from the mid-20th century.
H...
Category
1940s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small Libra Zodiac sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Zodiac Sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Dwarf Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Napkin or Letter Holder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Napkin or letter holder by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse thermometer, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Paragraph Lawyer Brass Sculpture, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A Midcentury brass figurine, displaying a paragraph form the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria. In very g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Woman in Biedermeier Dress Brass Wall Sculpture, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely midcentury mural, displaying a woman in a Biedermeier dress with umbrella in front of the Gloriette in Vienna, all made of brass. A beautif...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Mermaid and Fish Wall Sculpture by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely Mid-Century wall-mounted brass sculpture, displaying a mermaid and a fish on a frame, made of black-finished brass. Designed by Walter Bosse, manufactured in the 1950s by He...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Dwarf Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Mid-Century bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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This gorgeous small miniature creature with big personality designed by Walter Bosse, an expert craftsman from the golden age of Vienna bronzes is a real beauty. He designed his “black/gold” series of bronze figurines to make “as many people as possible happy.”
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Hedgehog Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
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Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Baller Austria, 1950s
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H 7.5 in W 3.25 in D 1.13 in
Walter Bosse Brass Giraffe Sculpture Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming mid century giraffe figurine, made of brass. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller Austria. In excelle...
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H 3.75 in W 2 in D 1.5 in
Walter Bosse Mid-Century Horse Brass Figurine, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely horse foal sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In very good condition with charming patina. We offer more Walter Bos...
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H 3 in W 2.5 in D 1 in
Walter Bosse Brass Poodle Figurine, Lucky Charm, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming poodle figurine, made of brass designed by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. In excellent condition.
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Miniature Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
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Walter Bosse figurines Penguin brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
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Free Shipping
H 1.42 in W 0.99 in D 0.56 in
Walter Bosse figurines Elephant brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
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2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
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Brass
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H 0.99 in W 1.3 in D 1.38 in
DONKEY Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
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H 1.58 in W 1.38 in D 1.58 in
Walter Bosse figurines Elephant brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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H 1.07 in W 0.71 in D 0.79 in
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Whimsical and unique solid brass catch it all jewelry ring holder, circa 1950's practical and unique.
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Art Déco Figure, Grotesque 'Man With Antelope' Walter Bosse for Augarten, Vienna
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A man in a long dress wrapped like a spiral spring and a pointed hat hugs the animal with an excessively long neck standing next to him, with the horns and hat wedged together.
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H 7.49 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small Libra zodiac sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Original condition.
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1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
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Zodiac Sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac Sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Original condition.
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1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
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Walter Bosse Cactus, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cactus, circa 1950s
Original condition.
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Brass
Zodiac Sign Twins Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac sign twins figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Original condition.
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1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
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Walter Bosse Figurine, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse figurine, circa 1950s
Original condition.
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1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures
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Walter Bosse African and Elephant Wall Sculpture, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely Mid-Century wall-mounted brass sculpture, displaying an African and an elephant under a palm tree on a frame, made of black-finished brass and bamboo. Designed by Walter Bos...
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Walter Bosse figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Walter Bosse figurative sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Walter Bosse figurative sculptures, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original figurative sculptures by Walter Bosse were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider figurative sculptures by Herta Baller, Richard Rohac, and Leopold Anzengruber. Prices for Walter Bosse figurative sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $200 and can go as high as $820, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $246.
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