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 Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A complete set of six vintage stackable midcentury hedgehog ashtrays. A humorous and charming design by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. Made of solid b...
Brass
Walter Bosse Set of 6 Hedgehog Sculptures for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Walter Bosse Set of 6 hedgehog sculptures for Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Mid-century Walter Bosse hedgehog stackable ashtray made in Austria. This vintage ashtray includes all six...
Brass
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
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
$292Sale Price|28% Off
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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...
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 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
Walter Bosse Sculptural Brass Hand Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century sculptural brass bowl designed in the shape of a hand. Originally conceived as an ashtray, this elegant brass piece is versatile to be used as a jewelry bowl,...
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Dinner Bell Displaying a Cat by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury table bell displaying a cat. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in very good condition.
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
Zodiac Sign Twins Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s ( signed )
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac Sign Twins Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s ( signed ) Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Bronze Cat Figurine, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Bosse Cat Figurine An elegant early 1950s Bosse cat figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece displays Bosse’s...
Bronze
Small elephant by Walter bosse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small elephant by Walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Rooster Ring Catcher/Ashtray/Catch-all C1950s Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Trensacq, FR
Walter Bosse Rooster Ring Catcher/Ashtray, Vienna, c. 1950s A rare rooster ring catcher/ashtray in solid blackened brass, designed by Walter Bosse and pr...
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 Vintage Brass Hand Ashtray for Herta Baller
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This elegant and heavy ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller (Model 844) is an original Austrian Mid-Century piece of sculptural character. The object...
Brass
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'cat' 'Marked'
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse candleholder (cat) (Marked) (The selling is without the candle it is only decoration for the photo shooting) Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Monkey Salt and Pepper Shakers Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury shaker set from the 1950s, displaying a cute monkey holding salt and pepper shakers. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, manufactured by Hertha Baller i...
Glass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Candle Holder, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Bosse Cat Figurine An elegant early 1950s Bosse cat figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece displays Bosse’s...
Bronze
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
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s Original condition
Brass
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
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition
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.
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.
Brass
Giraffe by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Giraffe by Walter Bosse around 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
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn Shows a Cat 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, AT
Walter Bosse candle holder shows a elephant vienna around 1950s Original condition The candle is only for the photoshoot. ( not for sale )
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.
Brass
Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse for herta Baller cat figurine vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Large Pony Horse Figurine Statue 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 ...
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s Original condition
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
Two Mid Century brass cats as ring holders by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in München, DE
Two original mid-century modern brass cat ring holders by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller. Beautiful, great design. Made in Austria. Manufactured in the 1950s. Very good condition with...
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Baby Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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.
Brass
Cute Bronze Bear Couple Miniature Figurine, Walter Bosse Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An cute elegant early 1950s Bosse miniature figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece di...
Bronze
Small Libra Zodiac Sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small Libra Zodiac sign by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s Original condition
Brass
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 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...
Metal
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, 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
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Herta Baller, Austria
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key hook or holder, featuring a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster. Together, they represent "The Town Musicians of Bremen," a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. ...
Brass
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.
Brass, Nickel
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Giraffe Sculpture Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming mid century giraffe figurine, made of brass. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller Austria. In excelle...
Brass
Walter Bosse Huge 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...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware, Terracotta
$257Sale Price|31% Off
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...
Brass
Walter Bosse Salt Pepper Donkey Set, Black Brass Teak Wood, Hertha Baller, 1950
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A salt and pepper shaker donkey set designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s. The donkey is made of blackened brass. The shakers are made of teak wood. 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
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 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...
Brass
Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
$222Sale Price|26% Off
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear'
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse candleholder (bear) (The selling is without the candle it is only decoration for the photo shooting) Original condition.
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 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...
Metal, Brass
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a lovely cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in th...
Brass
Walter Bosse Wall Thermometer, Vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Wall Thermometer, Vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$210Sale Price|25% Off
Walter Bosse Pencil Holder, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse pencil holder, 1950s. Original condition. (Pencils not included, it is only for the photoshooting).
Brass
Hedgehog Ashtray Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Hedgehog ashtray designed in the 1950s in Vienna by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Metal
1950s by Walter Bosse Austria Design Brass Bronze Monkey Cork Screw
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare cork screw by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Excellent condition.
Brass, Bronze