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.
Beautiful Walter Bosse Austrian Bronze Halloween Cat Ring Stand 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s - 1960s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece display...
Bronze
Miniature Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Bronze
Frog Prince Bronze Pen Holder Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s - 1960s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece display...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Rare Cat and Mouse Door Bell, circa 1950, Austria.
By Walter Bosse
Located in Brussels, BE
Incredible rare Walter Bosse cat and mouse door bell, circa 1950, Austria. Polished and blackened brass. Dimensions: 44 cm H, 27 cm D, 13 cm W. Good original condition, item never se...
Brass
$238Sale Price|33% Off
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Austrian brass cat figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder. Original condition.
Brass
$190Sale Price / item|27% Off
Three Walter Bosse Brass Wall Hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Three Walter Bosse brass wall hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s. 3 are available, priced and sold per piece. Original condition.
Brass
$216Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Fish Mid-Century Brass Bowl Ashtray Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist brass bowl or ashtray in the shape of a fish. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in good condition...
Brass
Walter Bosse bear thermometer holder for wall mounting vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse bear thermometer holder for wall mounting vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$238Sale Price|28% Off
Candleholder Walter Bosse Cow, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Candleholder Walter Bosse cow Good original condition. (The candle is only for decoration for the photo shooting not for sell).
Brass
$190Sale Price|27% Off
Rocking Horse by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Rocking horse by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s Original condition
Ceramic
brass "ELEFANT" Hook Coat Element by WALTER BOSSE Herta Baller, Austria 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Bauhaus, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Herta Baller
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wardrobe key hook element design by WALTER BOSSE, executed by HERTA BALLER Origin: Austria Age: 1950s Description: This original vintage hook element was produced...
Metal, Brass
$300 / item
Midcentury Wall Hook "Cow" by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass ebonized wall hook "cow". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
Cute Cow 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 and solid this cow figurine...
Brass
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s Original condition The candle is not included it is only for the photoshooting
Brass
Bosse Baller Cat Bronze Corkscrew Vienna Austria, 1950s Mid-Century Modern
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Bronze
"Noodle" Dachshund Brass Dog Bottle Opener by Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Classic early 1950s Austrian bottle opener, attributed to the Austrian Illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans depiction of "Noodle" the Dachshund dog. It was made by Bosse in Vienna. Measure...
Brass
Bosse pipe holder vienna around 1950s ( marked on Bottom )
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Bosse pipe holder vienna around 1950s ( marked on Bottom ) Original condition
Brass
Miniature Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic midcentury 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. This gorgeous small miniature creature with big personality designed by Walter Bosse, an expert craftsman from the golden age of Vienna bronzes is a real beauty. He designed his “black/gold” series of bronze figurines to make “as many people as possible happy.” Excellent example of a Walter Bosse brass figurine...
Bronze, Brass
Walter Bosse Cancer Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse cancer zodiac sign brass figurine, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Bronze Fish Dish Bowl Ashtray, Herta Baller Austria 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bronze bowl features an abstract Modernist shape of a fish, decorated with reliefs of stars and full moon; the round moon form is positioned as the fish eye. The playful, hu...
Bronze
$192Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Asymmetrical Modernist Black Brass Ashtray by Herta Baller, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A stylish modernist ashtray with amazing asymmetrical shape. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in good condition with nice patina.
Brass
$252Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid Century modern desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Bal...
Brass
Seal candle holder figurine by walter bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Seal candle holder figurine by walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$216Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Fish Midcentury Brass Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist bowl or ashtray in the shape of a fish. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in excellent condition....
Brass
Vintage Ceramic Pottery Vase by Walter Bosse - Rare
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical vintage ceramic pottery vase by Walter Bosse, circa 1930's. This rare pot was hand crafted by Bosse in Austria and measures 4.5"W x 4"D x 4.25"H. The piece is in good vin...
Pottery
$234Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Dwarf Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, i...
Brass
Pair of Blackened Bronze Small Bear Trays / Candle Holders by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Fun pair of blackened bronze small bear trinket trays / candle holders by Walter Bosse , circa 1950's. The pair are in very good vintage condition with a great patina and measure 2....
Bronze
$165Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Midcentury Brass Horse Figurine, Herta 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 good condition with charming patina. We offer more Walter Bosse br...
Brass
Candle Holder 'bird' by Walter Bosse, around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Candle holder (bird) by Walter Bosse, around 1950s Original condition The candle is only for the photoshoot (not included).
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder Original condition
Brass
Rare "Bremen Town Musicians" Key Hanger by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful large key hook "Bremen Town Musicians" a donkey, a dog, a cat and a cock, made of ebonized brass, designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller in t...
Brass
$178Sale Price / item|31% Off
3 Walter Bosse Brass Wall Hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
3 Walter Bosse brass wall hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$192Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Cow Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ve...
Brass
Walter Bosse Key Hanger by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse key hanger by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
Small elephant by Walter bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small elephant by Walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Bottle Stopper Pourer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Brass, Bronze
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Austrian Art Deco Art Pottery Cupid Figure
By Walter Bosse
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and delightful Art Deco Austrian art pottery figure of a cupid by renowned Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter and metalworker Walter Bosse (Austrian, 1904-1979) and b...
Terracotta
Walter Bosse Dachshund Pen Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse dachshund pen holder (the feather is not for sale she is decoration for the picture) Original condition.
Brass
Zodiac Sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Zodiac sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Pipe Holder in Patinated Bronze, Green, Gold Color by Walter Bosse, Usa, 1960
By Walter Bosse
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
It is a pipe holder, in patinated bronze in green and gold color. This pipe holder was made in USA in the 1960s by Walter Bosse It is in good condition, and is easily placed on a pie...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger of a Elephant Group Made by Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse brass key hanger of a elephant group made by Hertha Baller. Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Large Baby Deer Pottery Ceramic Sculpture, Austria, 1920s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and large handmade figurine / statue depicting a baby deer / fawn. Originally designed as a doorstop by Walter Bosse and manufactured between 1924 and 1936 in Kufstein, Ty...
Ceramic, Terracotta
Owl Bronze Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s - 1960s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece display...
Bronze
Horse brass figurine bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Horse brass figurine bosse around 1950s Brass blackened Original condition
Brass
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition
Brass
$174Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Dwarf 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 dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, ...
Brass
$297Sale Price|28% Off
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse cat figurine with thermometer, 1950s Austrian desk thermometer, cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. Designed by Walter Bosse...
Brass
Set of 7 Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Animals, Austria, 1960s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Set of 7 Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Animals, Austria, 1960s. Very good condition. Goat: 7cm Flamingo: 7cm Penguin: 4cm Frog: 1,5cm Dalphin: 6cm Deer: 7cm Bear: 9cm
Brass
Walter Bosse candle holder shows a elephant vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse candle holder shows a elephant vienna around 1950s Original condition The candle is only for the photoshoot. ( not for sale )
Brass
Umbrella Stand with Fish, Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella stand fish, brass blackened metal, Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s.
Metal, Brass
$214Sale Price|25% Off
Candleholder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Candleholder by Walter Bosse. Excellent original condition.
Brass
Rare bottle opener from walter bosse vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Rare bottle opener from walter bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Rare "Bremen Town Musicians" Key Hanger by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful large key hook "Bremen Town Musicians" a donkey, a dog, a cat and a cock, made of ebonized brass, designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller in t...
Brass
Bottle Opener Capricorn by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle opener capricorn by Walter Bosse Original condition.
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.
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s Original condition
Brass
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtray Set for Bertha Baller, 1955
By Walter Bosse
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of six stackable ashtrays in the shape of a hedgehog designed in 1955 by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Austria. Polished and patinated brass.
Brass