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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.

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Period: Mid-20th Century
Creator: Walter Bosse
Candle Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Candle holder vienna around 1950s. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Seahorse Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Seahorse figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

1960s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Small Fox Figurine by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small fox figurine by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Blackened Brass Bear Candleholder/Figurine by Walter Bosse and Herta Baller
By Walter Bosse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Viennese bear figurine designed by Walter Bosse and Herta Baller as part of “Black Golden Line" (Austria, ca. 1950). Composed of solid brass patinated in a black finish,...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Small Walter Bosse Cat Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse cat figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950 Original condition Pencil not included
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Monkey Wall Hook 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

Austrian Mid Century Black Metal and Brass Fish Umbrella Stand by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This Mid-Century Modern vintage umbrella stand or paper basket from metal and brass has been designed by Walter Bosse 1950s Austria and produced by Herta Baller. The stunning fish like brass detail performs the umbrella stand for a charming basket for many umbrellas. Through a cast iron tray...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

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...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Swallow Birds Key Holder Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse swallow birds key holder around 1950s The key is not included ( only for the photoshooting ).
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter bosse swallow birds key holder around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse swallow birds key holder around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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 Wiener Dog Brass Figurine with Lantern Thermometer, Baller, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century desk thermometer, consisting of a nice wiener dog / sausage dog figurine made of brass and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Three Walter Bosse Brass Wall Hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Three Walter Bosse brass wall hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s. 3 are available, priced and sold per piece. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Corkscrew Horseshoe Vienna, Austria, 1950s, Mid-Century
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Walter Bosse design corkscrew in the form of a horseshoe. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an es...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Walter Bosse Cancer Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cancer zodiac sign brass figurine, 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Wall Decoration "Horses" by Hertha Baller Vienna Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Wall decoration "horses" by hertha baller vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Miniature Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. Marked Austria. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Very Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Very small elephant figurine by walter bosse around 1950s. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ashtray by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Ashtray by walter bosse vienna around 1950s Marked on Bottom.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Zebra Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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

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.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Small Walter Bosse Cat Figurine Around 1950s, 'Marked'
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter bosse cat figurine around 1950s Brass, Nickel - plated Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Small Walter Bosse Penguin Figurine Vienna around 1950s ' Marked '
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse penguin figurine vienna around 1950s ( Marked ) Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Candleholder, Hertha Baller, Blackened Brass, 1960
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A candleholder in the form of a cow by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The candleholder is made of blackened and polished brass. It can be used for small ball shaped candles. This piece is an eyecatchers in every room. 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...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lion Wall Hook by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass hook "lion" by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition. Two pieces available.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Rooster dinner bell, 1950s 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

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 Dwarf Midcentury Brass Wall Coat Hook, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A midcentury brass wall coat hook, displaying a dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Hedgehog Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Metal

Three Midcentury Bosse Baller Brass Coat Wall Hooks, 1950s, Austria
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Austrian Mid-Century Modern solid brass hooks from the "Black Gold Line" designed & manufactured by Walter Bosse and Herta Baller (Bosse Baller Company) in 1950s. Handmade ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Vintage Black Metal Brass Umbrella Stand Walter Bosse Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage umbrella stand or paper basket from metal and brass by Walter Bosse 1950s Austria. Stunning fish like brass detail performs the umbrella stand for a charming basket for many umbrellas. Through a cast iron tray...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Metal, 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 Brass Blackened "Lying Cat" from the 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Walter Bosse Brass Blackened "Lying Cat" From The 1950s, can be used as a holder (candle)
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Herta Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian brass cat figurine originally made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder. A very hu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Shoehorn Squirrel Blackened Brass by Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A nice shoehorn made of blackened and partly polished brass by Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s. The handle is in the form of a squirrel. That tail can be used as hook. Very nice patina ...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Pencil Holder 'Marked' Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder( marked ) around 1950s The pencil is not icluded ( it is only for the photoshooting ) Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Five Walter Bosse Brass Wall Hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Five Walter Bosse brass wall hooks of a Lion Austria, 1950s Five are available, priced and sold per piece. 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

Rare Bear Wall Hook by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass hook "bear" 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

Cute Little Figure Angel Candleholder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass blackened candleholder in form of angel figurine made in Austria in the 1950s.  
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Cow Wall Hook by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass hook "cow" by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition. Two pieces available.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Small Walter Bosse Bear Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse bear figurine, Vienna, 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 Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cat figurine with thermometer, 1950s Austrian desk thermometer, cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. Designed by Walter Bosse...
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

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 an elephant family. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern 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

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 Hertha 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

Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse rooster dinner bell, 1950s Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Toothpick Holder Donkey Set, Black Brass Glass, Hertha Baller, 1950
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass monkey figurine pretzel holder, ring holder Austrian brass monkey figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorativ...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Furniture

Materials

Brass

Hertha Baller Candle Vienna Around, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hertha Baller candle vienna around 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 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.

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