Franz Bergmann Vases and Vessels

Dimensions Height: 7.25 inches Width: 5.25 inches Depth: 4.5 inches. Markings Fully marked on the bottom with a "B" in an urn-shaped cartouche (for “Bergmann”), and “GESHUTZED” (German: “PROTECTED). ABOUT What distinguishes this unique bud vase from others is a perfect synthesis of a utilitarian object and a Fine sculpture. It is not only the amazing subtlety and taste of the author’s artist skills, but an extraordinary design and an absolutely outstanding original plot. Designed for a single flower only, it is nonetheless a very complex and multifaceted composition filled with warm humor and fantasy. Sitting on a vessel shaped as a gourd, clasping its goat legs with hooves and holding on to the neck with one hand in order not to fall of it; a playful and mischievous faun holds by the tail a fleeing lizard with the other hand. FRANZ XAVIER BERGMANN (Austrian, 1861–1936) was the owner of a Viennese foundry who produced numerous patinated and cold-painted bronze oriental, erotic and animal figures, the latter often humanized or whimsical, humorous objects d'art. Cold painted bronze refers to pieces cast in Vienna and then decorated in several layers with so-called dust paint; the expertise for the mix of this kind of paint has been lost. The color was not fired hence "cold painted". Mainly women working...