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.
Bear Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Bear Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
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
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.
Brass
$223Sale Price|26% Off
Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Two Walter Bosse candleholders Original condition We not selling the candle she is only decoration.
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Giraffe Sculpture Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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 Midcentury Brass Horse Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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
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.
Brass
Bottle Opener Capricorn by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener capricorn by Walter Bosse Original condition.
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.
Metal
Walter Bosse Elephant 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 humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Brass
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condion The pencil is not included it is only for the photoshooting
Brass
$234Sale Price|33% Off
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
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
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
Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting Original condition
Brass
$176Sale Price|25% Off
Walter Bosse Scorpio Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Scorpio zodiac sign brass figurine, 1950s Original condition.
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 ...
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s Original condition The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small Walter Bosse Sagittarius Zodiac Brass Figurine, Austria, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Cat Ring Holder for Hertha Baller Blackened Aluminium, 1950's
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical rare Walter Bosse cat ring holder circa 1950's nicely patinated, in aluminium with black enameled finish ,original finish some scratches and ...
Metal
Walter Bosse Mid-Century Horse Brass Figurine, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine with Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cow figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by H...
Brass
$223Sale 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 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
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine Table Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming sculptural Austrian midcentury desk thermometer, displaying a cow with a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria i...
Brass
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.
Brass
Walter Bosse Woman in Biedermeier Dress Brass Wall Sculpture, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely midcentury mural, displaying a woman in a Biedermeier dress with umbrella in front of the Gloriette in Vienna, all made of brass. A beautif...
Brass
$211Sale 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
Small Penguin by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small penguin by Walter bosse, around 1950s Marked Austria on Bottom Original condition.
Brass
$234Sale Price|33% Off
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Austrian brass cat figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder.
Brass
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse candleholder (bear), circa 1950s (The selling is without the candle it is only decoration for the photo shooting) Original condition.
Brass
$258Sale Price|31% Off
Dog Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Dog Figurine holding a thermometer by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Extremely Rare Austrian Cigarette Box or Tin Signed by Walter Bosse, circa 1951
By Walter Bosse
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
An extremely rare brass box or tin designed by Walter Bosse for storing cigarettes or tobacco in. We have yet to find this example in any publication on Bosse's work although simila...
Brass
Brass Table Bell by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid brass blackened, designed by Walter Bosse produced by Hertha Baller in the 1950s.
Mid Century Modern Vintage Brass Key Hanger Walter Bosse Herta Baller 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage key hanger or coat hooks designed by Walter Bosse and executed by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s. The motif signs the figures of the "Town Musicians of Brem...
Metal
Walter Bosse Dwarf 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 dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, i...
Brass
Beautiful Walter Bosse Austrian Bronze Egg Cup Candle Holder Pig 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
lot of three Bronze Elephant Figure by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Lot of three Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Elephant Figurines An elegant early 1950s lot of figurines, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze de...
Bronze
Petite Schnauzer Dog Figurine by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small aluminum animal trinket dish by Austrian ceramicist and metalworker Walter Bosse. Produced in 1960s Germany, this fun figurine is perfect shelf, desk decor or a ring holder. D...
Aluminum
Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine made for Opera Ball Vienna, 1953 An elegant early 1950s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze ...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Dachshund Pen Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse dachshund pen holder (the feather is not for sale she is decoration for the picture) Original condition.
Brass
$187Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Teddy Bear in Black Golden Line from the Famous Designer Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Argenteuil, IDF
Beautiful and charming little teddy bear in black golden line from the famous designer designer Walter Bosse (1904 - 1979) Beautiful original patina from the mid-20th century. H...
Bronze
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
Seal candle holder figurine by walter bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Seal candle holder figurine by walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Bull Head Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Bull head figurine by Walter Bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Brass
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
Small Walter Bosse Penguin Figurine Vienna around 1950s ' Marked '
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse penguin figurine vienna around 1950s ( Marked ) Original condition.
Brass
$446Sale Price|30% Off
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Hertha Baller, Austria
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass key hanger donkey, dog, cat and cock, Hertha Baller, Austria.
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
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.
Brass
$189Sale Price|27% Off
Rocking Horse by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Rocking horse by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
$213Sale Price|25% Off
Candleholder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Candleholder by Walter Bosse. Excellent original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Hertha Baller, Austria
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Brass Key Hanger Donkey, Dog, Cat and Cock, Hertha Baller, Austria Original condition
Brass
$840Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Mid-Century Modern Austrian Brass Matchbox Holder by Walter Bosse c. 1954
By Walter Bosse
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A rare 1950s brass matchbox holder by Austrian born designer Walter Bosse, circa 1954. Perfect for the gentleman or lady smoker and could also be used ...
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Shoe Horn, around circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Brass Shoe Horn, around circa 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Small Playing seal figurine by walter bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small Playing seal figurine by walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s Original condition The candle is not included it is only for the photoshooting
Brass
Very Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Very small elephant figurine by walter bosse around 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
$211Sale Price|25% Off
Small Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small fish figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass