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Amphora Pottery

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.

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Creator: Amphora
Large Amphora Art Nouveau Handled Vase Attributed to Paul Dachsel
Large Amphora Art Nouveau Handled Vase Attributed to Paul Dachsel

Large Amphora Art Nouveau Handled Vase Attributed to Paul Dachsel

By Paul Dachsel, Amphora

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Large Amphora blue and green eight-handled vase with red leaves. Attributed to Paul Dachsel - Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel, Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia, ca...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Amphora Pottery

Materials

Porcelain

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Amphora pottery for sale on 1stDibs.

Amphora pottery are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Amphora pottery, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original pottery by Amphora were created in the Art Nouveau style in europe during the early 20th century. Prices for Amphora pottery can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $760 and can go as high as $2,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,200.
Questions About Amphora Pottery
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A terracotta amphora is a type of earthenware vessel that dates back to Ancient Greece. It featured a wide mouth, curved body, pedestal base and two arched side handles. The Ancient Greeks used the vases to store wine, oil, grain and other items. On 1stDibs, shop a range of terracotta amphora vases.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Amphorae originated along the coasts of what are now Syria and Lebanon. From there, the vessels used to store oil, wine, grains and other foods and drinks spread to Phoenicia and Greece. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of amphora vases from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Amphoras were decorated with a number of motifs by the ancient Greeks. Common designs included depictions of the gods, everyday people, plants and animals. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of amphora vases.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Historically, amphorae are vessels made of pottery that feature elongated bodies and curved handles on either side of their necks. The Ancient Greeks used amphorae to store grain and liquids like oil, milk and wine. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of amphorae.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    The Ancient Greeks used an amphora for storing items like milk, oil, wine or grain. Today, people use amphora vases to hold fresh and artificial floral arrangements and as standalone decorative accents. Shop a variety of amphora vases on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
    The difference between a vase and an amphora comes down to specificity. An amphora is a vessel that features arched handles positioned on either side of its neck. A vase is any decorative container that can be used to hold a flower arrangement. Amphoras can be used as vases, but not all vases are amphoras. Explore an assortment of vases and vessels on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An amphora vase is the Greek vase that has an urn-like shape with a wide mouth, medium-length neck and curved body supported by a footed or flat base. Amphora vases usually have two arched handles. Shop a selection of amphora vases on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An amphora, a two-handled pot with a large body and a narrow neck, is a Greek form of pottery. It was largely used for storage. You can shop a collection of amphoras from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between a pelike and an amphora is that one vessel is a specific type of the other. An amphora is a vessel with a tapered, pointed bottom and a narrow, elongated neck, often flanked by arched handles. A pelike is an amphora with its widest point close to the bottom, giving it a rotund appearance. Find a diverse assortment of amphoras and pelikes on 1stDibs.