Walter Bosse Furniture
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.
Color: Brown
Creator: Walter Bosse
Monkey Hook Wardrobe Hooks by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass hook "monkey" by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s.
Used but in very good vintage condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn Shows a cat by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury Shaker set, displaying a donkey carrying two wooden barrels. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. The don...
Category
Mid-20th Century Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Bottle Opener Shows a Elephant Vienna Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Bottle Opener Shows a Elephant Vienna Around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Golden Brass Dachshund Letter Opener by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming Austrian Midcentury golden solid brass letter opener or paper knife has been designed by Walter Bosse and produced by Herta Baller in the 1950s. The dog features a long...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass cat figurine pretzel holder, ring holder
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Walter Bosse Key Hanger Monkeys
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Rare Walter Bosse key hanger monkeys
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Zebra Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse zebra donkey salt and pepper shaker set for Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s.
The shakers are included.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Brass Table Bell by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid brass blackened, designed by Walter Bosse produced by Hertha Baller in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse rooster dinner bell, 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Elephant Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s Midcentury
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big ...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Baby Giraffe Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely baby giraffe sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria. In very good condition with mar...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Two Walter Bosse candleholders
Original condition
We not selling the candle she is only decoration.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury Shaker set, displaying a donkey. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 195...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Walter Bosse Donkey Table Lamp, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Munich, DE
Table lamp form of a donkey designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in 1950s. The donkey is made of patinated and aged blackened brass placed on a teak base with two original shades.
This charming piece is an eyecatcher in every midcentury house.
Very rare piece!
Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904-December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines...
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Thermometer with Bird, Brass and Wood, Walter Bosse/Hertha Baller Vienna
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A thermometer by Walter Bosse/Hertha Baller. Vintage mid century. Wiener Bronze Austria ca. 1950´s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying five elephants in different sizes. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Thermometer with Birds, Wood and Brass, Walter Bosse/Hertha Baller Vienna
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A thermometer with bird sculptures by Walter Bosse/Hertha Baller.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Herta Baller, Austria
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying a donkey, a dog, a cat and a cock. Together they are the "town musicians of Bremen", from a fairy tale by the Grimm brothers. A very humoro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Cat Wall Hook by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass hook "cat" by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s.
Used but in very good vintage condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A little cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In good condition with charming patina on the brass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bottle Opener Shows an Penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener shows an penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Hertha Baller, Austria
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass key hanger donkey, dog, cat and cock, Hertha Baller, Austria.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Two Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Two Owls bottle stopper by Walter Bosse
2 are available, priced and sold per piece.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bottle Opener Shows an Penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener shows an penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s.
Original condition
(J B).
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Deer Fawn Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely fawn / baby deer sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria. In good condition with nice p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century shaker set, displaying a donkey. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of metal and wood. In go...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Metal
Rare Walter Bosse Hooks on Teak Wood
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Rare Walter Bosse hooks on teak wood.
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Calf Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely calf / baby cow sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria. In very good condition with marginal patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Rabbit Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Mid-Century bottle opener / cork screw, displaying a rabbit. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Shoe Horn Displaying a Cow, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass shoehorn, displaying a cow. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. In very good condition with nice patina.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a Mouse by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn shows a mouse by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Mid-Century bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Huge Walter Bosse Pottery Ceramic Horse Sculpture, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely and huge handmade figurine / statue displaying a horse dated from 1947 to 1951. Designed by Walter Bosse, made of ceramic / terracotta in Kufst...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware, Terracotta
Terracotta Planter by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed by Walter Bosse and made in Vienna 1947-1951, terracotta, perforated wall with elephant in relief.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Mid-Century Brass Shoehorn by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Blackened brass with caw motif designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller in the 1950s.
Perfect original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Materials
Brass
Brass Salt Shaker by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass salt shaker by Walter Bosse from the 1950s.
The shaker is made from white plastic.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture
Walter Bosse furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Walter Bosse furniture 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 furniture, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Walter Bosse were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Herta Baller, Franz Hagenauer, and Karl Hagenauer. Prices for Walter Bosse furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $111 and can go as high as $3,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $360.
Creators Similar to Walter Bosse
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Walter Bosse Furniture
Walter Bosse Sculptures
Walter Bosse Wall-mounted Sculptures
Walter Bosse Barware
Walter Bosse Desk Accessories
Walter Bosse Racks and Stands
Walter Bosse Wall Brackets
Walter Bosse Candle Holders
Walter Bosse Tableware
Walter Bosse Ashtrays
Walter Bosse Wardrobes and Armoires
Walter Bosse Bowls and Baskets
Walter Bosse Collectibles and Curiosities