As both a designer and a teacher, the Austrian ceramicist and glassware designer Michael Powolny was an important figure in the development of modernist aesthetics in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. His romantic sculptural pottery figures embrace the lush, dynamic stylings of Gustav Klimt and other progressive artists, while his functional pieces — such as glass bowls and vases — employ the simple linear and geometric ornamentation that marked the work of Josef Hoffmann and other members of the Wiener Werkstätte community of designers and craftsmen.
Powolny received classical training in ceramics from his father, a potter, and at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, but later joined in the modernizing movement in the Austrian arts at the close of the 19th century. In 1897, Klimt, Hoffman, Koloman Moser and other artists and architects founded the Vienna Secession, a group that fought for freedom of expression against the city’s tradition-bound arts establishment. Powolny’s work reflects the changing times. He used classical figures in his ceramics — female nudes, cherubs — yet would dress them in modern ornament such as garlands of abstract, geometric flowers. Pieces from Powolny’s ceramics company were sold through the Wiener Werkstätte (Viennese Workshops) founded by Hoffmann and Moser, and Hoffman later hired Powolny to create ceramic ornamentation for his architectural masterpiece, the Palais Stoclet in Brussels.
Powolny would go on to design glassware that combines elegant, tapering forms with precise linear decoration. His most influential work may have come as a professor at the School of Applied Arts, where he taught both Lucie Rie, the great Austrian-British modernist ceramicist, and the American potter Viktor Schreckengost, creator of the “Jazz Bowl,” an icon of the Streamline Moderne design. As you will see from the items on offer, Michael Powolny’s works have a double appeal: in their sprightly, endearing forms and as artifacts that document a period of signal change in the history of modern arts and crafts.
'Spring', Putto With Flowers, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Naked putto in a wide striding position, his blond head tilted to the left and holding a cascade of fl...
Ceramic
'Donauweibchen', Danube Mermaid Box, Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Oval, straight-sided lidded box on four ball feet, with a slightly domed lid featuring a fully sculpted group of figures: the naked 'Danube Maiden', the legendary Danube mermaid, emb...
Ceramic
Large Putto As An Indian, by Michael Powolny, Sommerhuber Austria, 1925-1930
By Sommerhuber Keramik Steyr Co., Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent ceramic piece in the tradition of Michael Powolny: Standing putto, dressed only in a short-sleeved vest and belt, with a feather crown on his blond curls, a small bow and q...
Ceramic
'Autumn', Putto With Grapes, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1913-1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Naked putto in a wide striding position, his blond head tilted to the right and holding a cascade of ...
Ceramic
$6,190Sale Price|30% Off
Crystal Vase Jugendstil Austria circa 1918 Michael Powolny Loetz for Lobmeyr
By Michael Powolny, Loetz Glass
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
This elegant object of the Loetz glassworks was produced immediately after the First World War, in the years 1918- 1919. Although stylistic as well as technical recourse to past tech...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Fine Glass 'November' Beaker by Michael Powolny for Lobmeyr
By J.L Lobmeyr, Michael Powolny
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A very fine etched glass beaker designed by Michael Powolny (1871-1954) for Lobmeyr of Vienna. The piece depicts a boy with a horn and a dog inside an etched medallion, representing ...
Glass
Art Deco Green Colored Glazed Vintage Tile by Michael Powolny circa 1925 Austria
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Art deco green colored glazed vintage tile, which shows a motif with a violinist. An amazing vintage tile designed by Michael Powolny, circa 1925, ...
Ceramic
Michael Powolny for Lobmeyr Etched Glass Beaker
By J.L Lobmeyr, Michael Powolny
Located in Brisbane, QLD
An extremely fine glass beaker in a design by Michael Powolny (1871-1954) for Lobmeyr of Vienna. The piece retains its original fitted and labelled retailing box and has the makers m...
Glass
Michael Powolny Art Nouveau Vienna Centrepiece with Three Cherubs, circa 1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Michael Powolny Art Nouveau centrepiece with three cherubs - most lovely ceramics item! Modelled by Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954), circa 1907. Hallmarked: Manufactured by Wiener Keramik (Vienna Ceramics) (WK / hallmarked). Material is ceramics (multicolored painted / glossy finish). Model 113 (model number is impressed / bottom glazed) Monogram of "Michael Powolny (MP)" is impressed, too. Made 1912. ________________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Most lovely three naked male cherub's figurines holding a round plate attached to their heads / the mentioned plate is blue painted at bottom side / the surface of tiered round socle is partially moss green shaded. ________________________________________________________________________________ Height: 21.0 cm (= 8.66 inches) Diameter of platter: 24.5 cm (= 9.64 inches) ________________________________________________________________________________ Bibliography: Waltraud Neuwirth, Markenlexikon für Kunstgewerbe (3), Wiener Keramik / Modelle 1906-13; pages 100-101 Elisabeth Frottier, "Michael Powolny, Keramik und Glas aus Wien 1900-1950", Vienna 1990, page 200, List of Work (= Werkverzeichnis) number W 113 (WV 61), Model 113 ________________________________________________________________________________ Experts of Fine Arts assess Michael Powolny's work nowadays as result of activity of one the most important ceramics sculptors / designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Most of Powolny's successors were strongly under his sway since Powolny had left 'large steps' in Viennese Art of Ceramics. Excellent condition. ____________________________________________________________________________________ About Michael Powolny (Sculptor). As both a designer and a teacher, the Austrian ceramicist and glassware designer Michael Powolny was an important figure in the development of modernist aesthetics in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. His romantic sculptural pottery figures embrace the lush, dynamic stylings of Gustav Klimt and other progressive artists, while his functional pieces — such as glass bowls and vases — employ the simple linear and geometric ornamentation that marked the work of Josef Hoffmann and other members of the Wiener Werkstätte Community of designers and craftsmen. Powolny received classical training in ceramics from his father, a potter, and at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, but later joined in the modernizing movement in the Austrian arts at the close of the 19th century. In 1897, Klimt, Hoffman, Koloman Moser and other artists and architects founded the Vienna Secession, a group that fought for freedom of expression against the city’s tradition-bound arts establishment. Powolny’s work reflects the changing times. He used classical figures in his ceramics — female nudes, cherubs — yet would dress them in modern ornament such as garlands of abstract, geometric flowers. Pieces from Powolny’s ceramics company were sold through the Wiener Werkstätte (Viennese Workshops) founded by Hoffmann and Moser, and Hoffman later hired Powolny to create ceramic ornamentation for his architectural masterpiece, the Palais Stoclet in Brussels. Powolny would go on to design glassware that combines elegant, tapering forms with precise linear decoration. His most influential work may have come as a professor at the School of Applied Arts, where he taught both Lucie Rie, the great Austrian-British modernist ceramicist, and the American potter Viktor Schreckengost, creator of the “Jazz Bowl...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase Model “#1912” by Morten Løbner Espersen, Denmark, 2016
By Morten Løbner Espersen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Morten Løbner Espersen Ceramic vase model “#1912” Manufactured by Morten Løbner Espersen Copenhagen, 2016 Stoneware and glaze Measureme...
Stoneware
$530
H 8.07 in Dm 3.54 in
Wine Green Glass Enamel Paintings Coat of Arms by Lobmeyr Vienna circa 1910-1915
By J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Vienna, AT
Lobmeyr wine glass (of stunning manufacturing quality!), based on round tiered foot: Green glass, handmade (blown and formed) with enamel paintings Made ...
Glass
Set of Four Lobmeyr Hand-Painted & Gilded Polychrome Enamel Candlesticks
By J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Great Barrington, MA
It is rare to find any candlesticks in this pattern, made by Lobmeyr but here is a set of four. Perfect for a large table, each one is hand blown crystal, panel cut and uniquely hand...
Crystal
$1,047
H 7.09 in W 9.06 in D 3.94 in
Charles Lemanceau, Art Déco Cubist Elephant, Saint-Clement, France, 1930
By Saint-Clément, Charles Lemanceau
Located in Firenze, IT
Charles Lemanceau cubist elephant craquelé. Art Deco crème Craquelés glaze ceramic. Saint-Clement, France circa 1930 Bibliography: ‘Craqueles ...
Ceramic
$8,260
H 5.88 in Dm 3 in
Antique Lobmeyr Ottoman Gilt and Enameled Glass Goblet with Islamic Calligraphy
By J.L Lobmeyr
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent antique Lobmeyr Islamic gilt and enameled glass goblet with Islamic calligraphy decoration, signed on the bottom by Lobmeyr. Most probably commissioned for the ottoman ...
Glass
Vase Loetz Widow Art Nouveau Phaenomen Gre Silver Overlay, circa 1900
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Vase Loetz Widow Klostermuehle Bohemia Art Nouveau Made by Loetz, Klostermühle circa 1900 Decor: PHAENOMEN GRE & Gorgeous Silver Overlay This finest Loetz Art Nouveau ...
Silver
Art Deco Ceramic Bathing Belle Trinket/ Powder Box, c1930
Located in Devon, England
An Art Deco bathing belle/ flapper trinket pot in a white ceramic. Probably made in Germany, there is an impressed number “918” on the underside. The bathing beauty is wearing the sw...
Ceramic
$4,480
H 6.82 in Dm 3.27 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Vase, Phenomen Genre 3/430 Metallic Red, Austria-Hungary, 1904
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Mould blown baluster-shaped body with narrowing in the lower section, flared rim above a slight constriction, standing on a flush round base, ground and polished pontil. Form: Serie...
Glass
$2,594
H 9.45 in Dm 3.94 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Vase, Decor Cobalt Papillon, Austria-Hungary, Circa 1899
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Bohemian Art Nouveau glass vase: Mould blown into a slender, slightly bulbous vase body with a flush base, indented four times on the sides to form a four-sided cross-sec...
Glass
$2,181
H 6.78 in Dm 3.15 in
Pair Of Loetz Art Nouveau Single Vases, Ruby Papillon, Austria-Hungary, 1900
By Loetz Glass
Located in Vienna, AT
Two exquisite Bohemian Art Nouveau glass vases: Mould-blown bulbous lower section with a flush base, long narrow neck and straight rim, the bulbous section is rolled into four sections with vertical indentations. Shape: Series II Prod. no. PN 330 (old: 2766; 1890), year 1900 Decor: Ruby Papillon Ruby red underlaid, colorless glass with rolled-in silver yellow crumbs, model-blown and formed, reduced and iridescent. Vase manufactured by Loetz Widow, Klostermühle, Bohemia Dating of manufacture: 1900 Size: Height: 17,2 cm / 6.77 in Diameter: 8.0 cm / 3.14 in Bibliography: - LÖTZ, Böhmisches Glas / Bohemian Glass 1880-1940, Band 1 / Part 1, Work Monograph, Prestel-Verlag, Munich, 1989, page 91, nr. 50...
Glass
Loetz Silberiris Candia Iridescent Twin Handled Glass Vase
By Loetz Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Stylish Bohemian Silberiris Candia iridescent glass vase with brown handles by Johann Loetz Witwe and dating from around 1900. The simply shaped vase ref PN 85/5151 in the Loetz cata...
Blown Glass
Michael Powolny Rare Pottery Pair Sparrows Figure c.1907
By Michael Powolny
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful and rare Austrian Wiener Keramik pair of pottery sparrows by renowned sculptor and ceramicist Michael Powolny (Austrian, 1871-1954) and dating from around 1907. Michael...
Pottery
Sold
H 14.97 in W 8.27 in D 7.68 in
'Spring', Putto With Flowers, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Naked putto in a wide stance, head tilted to the left and holding a cascade of flowers falling to the ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 14.97 in W 9.45 in D 6.89 in
'Summer', Putto With Cornucopia, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1913-1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and very rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Running nude putto with flowing blond hair, a drapery around his front thigh and holding a cornuc...
Ceramic
Sold
H 15.75 in W 7.88 in D 7.09 in
'Winter', Putto With Flower Wreath, Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and very rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Nude putto in a wide striding position with drapery sliding over his back to the ground, holding ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 5.79 in Dm 7.29 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Tango Vase, Execution 157 Opal-Black-Brown, Vienna ca 1914
By Loetz Glass, Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Model blown body, curved, stepped, widening wall, connected to a flat, round base by a fused black nodus, mouth rim with wavy black outline, 16 red-brown threads vertically worked into the top layer, ground flat base ring, no pontil. The Loetz factory came into contact with the Viennese arts and crafts...
Glass
Sold
H 6.7 in W 12.01 in D 6.11 in
Ceramic Writing Set 'Till Eulenspiegel' by Michael Powolny, Austria, 1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Till Eulenspiegel in a brown-red jester's costume with bells, sitting with outstretched legs on a rectangular flat base plate, an owl between his feet and a low, four-sided inkwell w...
Ceramic
Ceramic Inkwell With Putti by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Delicate Art Nouveau ceramic piece: Cylindrical vessel with an openwork relief of running putti, in between colourfully glazed flower bouquets and golden cornucopias with blossoms, t...
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.27 in W 9.06 in D 1.78 in
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror With Flowers And Cupids by Michael Powolny Vienna c 1913
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Oval mirror framed by a dense coloured floral wreath formed of ceramic, on the upper rim two winged putti, between them a bird in the middle. By Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954) Nowada...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.3 in Dm 11.03 in
Art Nouveau Ceramic Centerpiece With Three Putti by Michael Powolny Vienna, 1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Three standing nude putti with floral decorations and yellow draperies carrying a shallow round bowl. Without base. By Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Mic...
Ceramic
Sold
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Four Seasonal Crinoline Figurines by Michael Powolny, Viennese Ceramics, c. 1910
By Viennese Manufactory, Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Four pedestal-less crinoline figures with seasonal attributes: Spring: in a floor-length dress with a long scarf and poke bonnet, her head turned to the right to the pigeon sitting on her right arm, in her left hand hanging down a small wreath of flowers. Model number: denotes 225 - error, correct: 223 Summer: in a dress with a large neckline, with a scarf around the waist, the head with the hair loosely tied backwards turned to the left, a broad-brimmed hat decorated with flowers hanging down from the left arm and holding a bouquet with ears of corn in front of her. Model number: 224 Autumn: in a floor-length, checked dress with a light coat and a blue bow around her neck, her head with the pinned up, blond hair tilted to the left, holding green foliage with autumn fruits in her hands. Model number: 225 Winter: with a long, ermine-trimmed coat and scarf, on her blond hair a hat with plumes, her head tilted slightly to the left and both hands buried in front of her in the large muff on which the presents are piled up. Model number: 226 By Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Michael Powolny’s work as the work of one of the most important ceramic artists and designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Powolny's companions and successors were significantly influenced by him, since he had left behind a work that was extremely important for Viennese ceramic art. Powolny's putti - many of them made on behalf of Wiener Keramik (WK) - are sought after by knowledgeable Art Nouveau collectors, both because of their modeling quality and because of the endearing and distinctive appearance. Manufactured by 'Wiener Keramik' (Viennese Ceramics) ceramics, bright earthenware, glossy finish, multicolored hand-painting designed ca. 1910, made circa 1910-1912 Marks: WK+grapes - Wiener Keramik /= Viennese Ceramics MP - signet for Michael Powolny Dimensions: height: ca 30.0 cm / 11.81 in width: ca 20.0 cm / 7.87 in depth: ca 18.0 cm / 7.08 in Bibliography: - Thomas Arlt / Arthur Weilinger, WIENER KERAMIK / VIENNA CERAMICS Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic
Michael Powolny Loetz Blue Piped Opaline Glass Vase
By Michael Powolny
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Loetz opaline art glass vase of tall rounded shape applied with blue glass threads and piping around the rim designed by Michael Powo...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 11.61 in W 9.25 in D 1.57 in
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror with Flowers and Cupids by Michael Powolny, Vienna, 1915
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Oval mirror, framed by a dense, colored flower wreath made of ceramic, on the upper edge two winged putti, between them a bird in the middle. By Michael Powolny (1871-1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Michael Powolny’s work as the work of one of the most important ceramic artists and designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Powolny's companions and successors were significantly influenced by him, since he had left behind a work that was extremely important for Viennese ceramic art. Powolny's putti - many of them made on behalf of Wiener Keramik (WK) - are sought after by knowledgeable Art Nouveau collectors, both because of their modeling quality and because of the endearing and distinctive appearance. Manufactured by United Vienna and Gmunden ceramics ceramics, bright earthenware, glossy finish, multicolored hand-painting Designed circa 1912, made circa 1913-1919 Marks: WK+grapes - Wiener Keramik /= Vienna Ceramics KG+flower - Keramik Gmunden /= Gmunden Ceamics Model number 287 Dimensions: Height 29.5 cm / 11.61 in Width 23.5 cm / 9.25 in Depth 4.0 cm / 1.57 in Bibliography: - Thomas Arlt / Arthur Weilinger, WIENER KERAMIK / VIENNA CERAMICS Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic
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H 7.08 in W 7.87 in D 3.93 in
Art Nouveau Ceramic Figure 'Snail Rider' by Michael Powolny, Vienna, 1913-1917
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Naked boy with blond curls riding on a black snail with a brown house, in his left hand holding the reins made of a garland of flowers. By Michael Powolny (1871-1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Michael Powolny’s work as the work of one of the most important ceramic artists and designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Powolny's companions and successors were significantly influenced by him, since he had left behind a work that was extremely important for Viennese ceramic art. Powolny's putti - many of them made on behalf of Wiener Keramik (WK) - are sought after by knowledgeable Art Nouveau collectors, both because of their modeling quality and because of the endearing and distinctive appearance. Manufactured by United Vienna and Gmunden Ceramics ceramics, bright earthenware, glossy finish, multicolored hand-painting designed 1907, made circa 1913-1917 Marks: WK+grapes - Wiener Keramik /= Vienna Ceramics GK+flower - Gmundner Keramik /= Gmunden Ceamics Model number 81 Dimensions: Height 18.0 cm / 7.08 in Width 20.0 cm / 7.87 in Depth 10.0 cm / 3.93 in Bibliography: - Thomas Arlt / Arthur Weilinger, Wiener Keramik / VIENNA CERAMICS, Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic