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.
Walter Bosse Brass Lidded Box, Austria, c.1955
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Walter Bosse Brass Lidded Box, Austria, c.1955. Stamped " BOSSE AUSTRIA " to the bottom.
Brass
$114Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Cancer Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Cancer figurine, made of brass, designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. In very good condition. We offer more Water Bosse brass objec...
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, 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...
Bronze
Cute Bronze Dachshund Dog Figurine, Walter Bosse Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s Bosse figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece displays signatur...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'cat' 'Marked'
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse candleholder (cat) (Marked) (The selling is without the candle it is only decoration for the photo shooting) 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
VTG Walter Bosse Cast Brass / Bronze Figural Giraffe Figurine Mid Century Modern
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Cute mid century modern black patinated brass or bronze giraffe miniature figurine, designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller in the 1950s/60s.
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Rooster Mid-Century Umbrella Stand for Herta Baller, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
This striking umbrella stand, which can also serve as a paper basket or wastepaper bin, dates back to the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse and crafted by Hertha Baller in Vienna, Aust...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Walter Bosse Bronze Fish Dish Bowl Ashtray, Herta Baller Austria 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
$222Sale Price|26% Off
Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Two Walter Bosse candleholders Original condition We not selling the candle she is only decoration.
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
Set of 4 Figure Horse Angel Bear by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of four Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurines An elegant early 1950s lot of figurines, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The ...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Fish Mid-Century Brass Corkscrew, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural mid-century cork screw bottle opener in the form of a fish. Crafted from brass with a combination of polished and black-patinated surfaces. This charming and humorous de...
Brass
$492Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Walter Bosse Key Hanger Monkeys
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Rare Walter Bosse key hanger monkeys Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s Original condition
Brass
$165Sale Price|40% Off
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...
Brass
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
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s Original condition
Brass
$216Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Fish Midcentury Brass Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
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
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 bear thermometer holder for wall mounting vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse bear thermometer holder for wall mounting vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
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
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
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
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.
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Bottle Holder, Cat Blackened Brass, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A nice wine bottle holder made of blackened and partly polished brass by Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s.
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
Cow Sculpture Brass Key Hanger Design by Walter Bosse, Hertha Balle Austria 50s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Lucija, SI
Very Special and Rare Key Holder, displaying a funny looking cow. Very large. This is a original piece, not a reproduction. Designed by Walter Bosse, manufactured by Hertha Baller...
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
$216Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Fish Mid-Century Brass Bowl Ashtray Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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
$292Sale Price|28% Off
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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
brass "ELEFANT" Hook Coat Element by WALTER BOSSE Herta Baller, Austria 1950s
By Bauhaus, Herta Baller, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Walter Bosse
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
Walter Bosse Toothpick Holder Donkey Set, Black Brass Glass, Hertha Baller, 1950
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A toothpick holder set in the form of a donkey designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s. The donkey is made of patinated and aged blackened brass. The toothpick holders are made of glass. This charming piece is an eyecatcher for every kitchen or dining table. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: 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...
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
Walter Bosse candle holder shows a elephant vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
Walter Boss Donkey Dinner Bell, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Walter Bosse Donkey collectible solid bronze bell from the 1950s. Nice tone. Made in Austria.
Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger of a Elephant Group Made by Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse brass key hanger of a elephant group made by Hertha Baller. 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
"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
$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
Elephant Penholder by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Elephant Penholder by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s Original condition
Brass
$234Sale Price|37% Off
Cat Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
A very charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse,...
Brass
$234Sale Price|28% Off
Candleholder Walter Bosse Cow, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
$234Sale Price|33% Off
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
$187Sale Price / item|27% Off
Three Walter Bosse Brass Wall Hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$351Sale Price|25% Off
Walter Bosse Key Hanger by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse key hanger by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$210Sale Price|25% Off
Candleholder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Candleholder by Walter Bosse. Excellent original condition.
Brass
$192Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Cow 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 cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ve...
Brass
$132Sale Price|40% Off
Walter Bosse Midcentury Deer Fawn Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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...
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
$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
$210Sale Price|35% Off
Walter Bosse Thermometer, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse thermometer Original condition.
Brass
Bosse pipe holder vienna around 1950s ( marked on Bottom )
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Bosse pipe holder vienna around 1950s ( marked on Bottom ) Original condition
Brass
Richard Rohac candle holder by Walter Bosse 1960s Austria
By Richard Rohac, Walter Bosse
Located in Den Haag, NL
Table Candle Holder with 3 lights, made of heavy iron and brass in a typical Mid Century Modern triangle shape and the base frame formed into a "W", by Walter Bosse for Richard Rohac .
Brass
$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
Walter Bosse Key Hanger by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse key hanger by Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
$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