Jugendstil—the Germanic name for the sinuous, ethereal design style best known as Art Nouveau—rarely found better expression in ceramics that at the kilns of Amphora. In 1892, Austrian potter Alfred Stellmacher and four relatives opened a workshop that produced earthenware featuring plants, animals, mythical creatures, simulated jewels and even portraits in the style of Gustav Klimt and other fashionable painters of the era. Each piece was signed Amphora. The factory also produced ewers, bowls, tureens, and other diverse shapes. Located in the former spa resort town of Turn-Teplitz (now part of the Czech Republic), the Amphora factory took advantage of the abundant kaolin in the local riverbeds—as well as the energy produced by the rivers themselves—in manufacturing their arresting wares.
Amphora pieces were painstakingly produced via a method that included detailed sketches, intricate carving and molding and luminous iridescent glazing. All culminated with repeated firings of the clay—sometimes as many as ten times. As a result, the firm won worldwide acclaim, taking gold medals at the Chicago and St. Louis World’s Fairs. Its wares were sold by luxury emporiums like Tiffany & Co.
Collectors prize Amphora vases for their delicate, naturalistic designs, and larger pieces often command prices in the tens of thousands. Equally sought after are portrait busts featuring religious, literary and allegorical themes. If you’re mourning the end of Downton Abbey and you’d like to add a dash of Lady Edith’s bohemian flair to your home, an Amphora vase or bowl will serve as a unique conversation piece.
Black Glazed Sculpture Ceramic by Elie Van Damme, Belgium, 1960s
By Amphora, Elie van Damme
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ceramic sculpture by Elie Van Damme for Amphora Belgium, 1960s. Large brutalist ceramic art representing a boy and girl lovers sculpture. Glazed in slate or pewter shades of black an...
Ceramic
Wall-mounted Ceramic Harlequin by Rogier Vandeweghe for Amphora, Belgium
By Rogier Vandeweghe, Amphora
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare Wall hanging decorative glazed ceramic representing a harlequin from the manufacturer Amphora 1960s designed by Rogier Vandeweghe. The wall mounted figure sculpture...
Ceramic
Abstract Family Sculpture in Black Glaze by Elie Van Damme, Belgium, 1960s
By Amphora, Elie van Damme
Located in Antwerp, BE
Abstract mother, father and child sculpture hand molded in black glaze by Elie Van Damme manufactured by Amphora Belgium, 1960s.
Ceramic
Amphora Arts & Crafts Woman with Geese and Trees "Brittany Farmers" Pottery Vase
By Amphora
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Circa 1905 - 1910 attributed to Elvir Otto for Riessner, Stellmacher and Kessel Amphora Templitz Pottery Vase. This arts and crafts vase stands approx 7" tall with a diameter of appr...
Pottery
Vintage Czech Amphora Porcelain Sculpture of a Camel and Mounted Rider
By Amphora
Located in San Francisco, CA
A magnificent Mid-20th century Czech Amphora Porcelain sculpture modeled as a “Camel and Mounted Rider”, of imposing size and in Fine original condition. The Amphora Porcelain Works existed from 1892 – 1945 in the Teplitz-Turn area of Bohemia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but since 1918, in Trnovany in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1892 under the style of RSt&K, by Riessner, Stellmacher and Kessel, the son and sons...
Porcelain
$989
H 24.02 in W 9.85 in D 5.12 in
Exquisite Italian Phytomorphic Abstract Sculpture in Natural Ash, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Crafted during the artistic zenith of the 1960s. An exquisite testament to the fusion of nature and abstract form, this piece exudes an enigmatic allure that captivates the beholde...
Ash
$8,726
H 102.37 in W 21.86 in D 0.99 in
Large Wall-Mounted Sculpture Colored Stone in Concrete Mid-Century Modern, 1952
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large wall-mounted sculpture colored stone in concrete Mid-Century Modern, 1952 This wall Sculpture was taken out of a building by Dutch Architect Jan Duiker. It should be made circa 1952, the sculpture is signed with ACK. Jan Duiker (also Johannes Duiker) (The Hague, 1 March 1890 – Amsterdam, 23 February 1935) was a Dutch architect. Partnership with Bernard Bijvoet from 1919 until 1925. For the commission of the Zonnestraal project the architects were recommended by Hendrik Berlage. Bijvoet left the Netherlands in 1925 to work in Paris with Pierre Chareau for projects such as Maison de Verre...
Stone, Concrete
Ceramic greyhound sculpture, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Gorgeous and naturally sculpted sculpture of a sitting greyhoudn made from cracklé ceramic and made in italy. Beautiful and elegant posture sitting on a cushion. Good condition 19...
Ceramic
$3,723
H 47.25 in W 13 in D 7.49 in
1990s Polished Modern Abstract Sculpture in Hand Carved Black Belgian Marble
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s polished modern abstract sculpture in hand carved black Belgian marble.
Belgian Black Marble
$1,472Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 7.09 in W 6.7 in D 5.12 in
Ormolu-Mounted Porcelain Horses by Samson Manufactory
By Samson & Cie
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of 20th century white porcelain horses on clouds, above rocaille bases richly decorated with scrollwork and openwork foliage. Both figures are marked underneath with two crossed...
Ormolu, Bronze
Large Foo Dog Guardian Lion Blue Porcelain Sculpture
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Size Male Guardian Lion Foo Dog in Turquoise Blue Glazed Porcelain Algora Porcelains Designed from 1920 to 1949. This is a male guardian lion sculpture, is recognized as it is ...
Ceramic
$558
H 7.88 in W 10.63 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Plaque of Owls on a Branch by EGO, Sweden, 1960s
By Ego Stengods
Located in Barcelona, ES
Charming glazed ceramic wall plaque depicting three owls sitting on a branch. Fabricated by EGO Stengods, Sweden, 1960s.
Ceramic
Vintage Persian Ceramic Hunting scene Wall Hanging Tile Set
Located in Delray Beach, FL
beautiful vintage hand painted and glazed ceramic two tiles set ,professionally mounted on wood backing , featuring hunting scene with Horse ...
Ceramic, Wood
Abstract Head Sculpture by Pietro Cenedella, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinary marble sculpture by Italian artist Pietro Cenedella, an abstract head-like form balancing between figuration and pure gesture. The piece is entirely carved from Carr...
Marble, Carrara Marble
$595
H 4.5 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in
Rookwood Pottery Arts & Crafts Glazed Ceramic Art Pottery Vase, 1937
By Rookwood Pottery Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts period glazed ceramic art pottery vase By Rookwood Pottery USA, 1937 Glazed ceramic, in a beautiful light blue color Measures: 3.75"W x 3.75"D x ...
Pottery
Abstract Wall Sculpture by Karen Gayle Tinney, Ceramic & Fiber, 14x43”
By Karen Gayle Tinney
Located in Proctorsville, VT
Wall Sculpture #847 Single panel wall sculpture. Hand formed ceramic piece in unglazed beige stoneware with white stoneware mixed in. Cotton fringe in two thicknesses. Hanging wire ...
Ceramic, Cotton
Vintage Italian Ceramic Panther Sculpture, c. 1960s
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A striking midcentury Italian ceramic panther, rendered in a high-gloss black glaze that beautifully captures both power and poise. Standing an impressive 15 inches tall, this expres...
Ceramic
Sold
H 63 in W 10 in D 9 in
Monumental Pair, Antique Amphora Arabian Figural Jardinieres W/ Faux Palm Trees
By Amphora
Located in Atlanta, GA
Monumental Pair, Antique Amphora Arabian Figural Jardinieres w/ Faux Palm Trees Each of these monumental figural jardinieres (35.25” h) feature an opp...
Ceramic
Sold
H 1 in W 10.25 in D 2.38 in
Amphora Ceramic Mother and Child Wall Plaque, Belgium, Elie Van Damme, 1960s
By Rogier Vandeweghe, Amphora, Elie van Damme
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful creation in ceramic of Madonna and Child by Elie Van Damme for Amphora Ceramics situated in Sint-Andreis outside Bruges, Belgium. Rogier Vandeweghe,b. 1923 Bruges, Belgium,...
Clay, Ceramic, Pottery
Sculpture Ceramic by Elie van Damme for Amphora, 1960s
By Amphora, Elie van Damme
Located in Antwerp, BE
Moulded sitting Girl sculpture, edited by Amphora, created by Elie Van Damme. Black metallic glaze.Perfect condition. Belgium 1960s.
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Sculpture by Amphora, CZ, circa 1915
By Amphora
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Charming Art Nouveau sculpture by Amphora Czechoslovakia from circa 1915 showing a young girl riding her little buckboard pulled by a Billy goat. A lot of beautiful details can be fo...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Decorative Ceramic Bowl with Sea Maidens by Amphora
By Amphora
Located in Astoria, NY
This spectacular decorative bowl, produced early 20th century by Amphora, depicts beautiful sea maidens rising from the sea with an open mouth fish peering below. Markings include [A...
Porcelain