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.
Two Mid Century brass cats as ring holders by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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 pencil holder around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950 Original condition Pencil not included
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Shoehorn Displaying a Cow, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass shoe horn, displaying a cow. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. In very good condition with nice patina.
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s Original condition
Brass
1950s by Walter Bosse Austria Design Brass Bronze Monkey Cork Screw
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare cork screw by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Excellent condition.
Brass, Bronze
Small Playing seal figurine by walter bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small Playing seal figurine by walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
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
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, 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
$212Sale Price|25% Off
Small Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small fish figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Wall Thermometer, Vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Wall Thermometer, Vienna around 1950s Original condition
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 ...
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 ...
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 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
$235Sale Price|28% Off
Cow Pen Holder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Rare rooster pen holder by Walter Bosse (the feather is not for sale she is decoration for the picture) Original condition.
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
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Fish Multiple Pen Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse fish multiple pen holder the pens are not incudet they are only for the photoshooting. Original condition.
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a horse by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Shoehorn Shows a Capricorn by Walter Bosse Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Pencil Holder 'Marked' Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse pencil holder( marked ) around 1950s The pencil is not icluded ( it is only for the photoshooting ) Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'Marked on Bottom'
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'marked on bottom' Original condition.
Brass
Holder for 3 pipes by walter bosse vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Holder for 3 pipes by walter bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Woman in Biedermeier Dress Brass Wall Sculpture, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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
Very Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Very small elephant figurine by walter bosse around 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Shoehorn Shows a cat by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$235Sale 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
$259Sale Price|31% Off
Dog Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Dog Figurine holding a thermometer by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'Bear', circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse candleholder (bear), circa 1950s (The selling is without the candle it is only decoration for the photo shooting) Original condition.
Brass
Small Elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$306Sale Price|45% Off
Walter Bosse Zebra Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse zebra donkey salt and pepper shaker set for Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s. The shakers are included. Original condition.
Brass
$212Sale Price|25% Off
Walter Bosse Pencil Holder, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse pencil holder, 1950s. Original condition. (Pencils not included, it is only for the photoshooting).
Brass
$223Sale Price|26% Off
Walter Bosse Dog Pencil Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse dog pencil holder. Original condition.
Brass
Cow Pen Holder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Cow pen holder by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
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
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
Cat Figurine with Shovel and Rake by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened with a shovel and rake. Designed in the 1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Austria. Excellent original condition.
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
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condion The pencil is not included it is only for the photoshooting
Brass
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
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
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
Walter Bosse Cow 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 cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ...
Brass
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
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
Walter Bosse Thermometer, 1950s for Table Vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Thermometer, 1950s for table vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Small Rooster Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Small rooster figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, around 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Pencile Holder Fish by Hertha Baller, Vienna, around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Pencile holder fish by Hertha Baller, Vienna, around 1950s Original condition The pencile is only for the photoshooting (not included).
Brass
$259Sale Price|31% Off
Cow Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Cow figurine holding a thermometer by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
$176Sale Price|31% Off
Napkin or Letter Holder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Napkin or letter holder by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
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
$188Sale 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
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