Walter Bosse Sculptures
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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Creator: Walter Bosse
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
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.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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 ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Walter Bosse Mermaid and Fish Wall Sculpture by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely Mid-Century wall-mounted brass sculpture, displaying a mermaid and a fish on a frame, made of black-finished brass. Designed by Walter Bosse, manufactured in the 1950s by He...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
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
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a horse by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn Shows a Capricorn by Walter Bosse
Original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Baby Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
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.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Mid-Century Cartwheel Brass Key Hanger, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A wall-mounted Mid-Century key holder / key board, designed in the shape of a cartwheel or wagon wheel. This piece was designed by Walter Bosse and crafted b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Cat Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
A very charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse,...
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'Marked on Bottom'
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'marked on bottom'
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Cat Figurine by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Cat figurine by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Shoehorn Displaying a Cow, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Sculpture Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying a funny looking cow. Very large. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in excel...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Walter Bosse Zebra Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Key Hanger Walter Bosse Showing a Cow, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Key hanger Walter Bosse showing a cow, circa 1950s.
Very beautiful original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Small Elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Small elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Cow Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Cow figurine holding a thermometer by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Early Walter Bosse Figure Ceramic Art Deco Putti Goldscheider Augarten 1930
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
In 2000 a Viennese public house released the first monograph about Walter Bosse. Illustrated with various pictures it shows his highly creative potential and his influence and impact...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Walter Bosse (attr.) Cats Figurines for Hertha Baller Austria - 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Measures : 12cm x3.5cm H:15.5cm
Materials : Brass Blackened
Walter Bosse (attr.) Cat Figurines for Hertha Baller Austria - 1950s
Wear consistent with age and use : in very good con...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened pretzel holder, ring holder. Designed in the 1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Austria.
Excellent original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
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
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
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
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
CAT Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This cat figurine was produced in Austria and is signed at the bottom: Bosse Austria. The piece comes together with a fabric pouch, including a certificate, too. Each figure is speci...
Category
2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Cat Figurine with Shovel and Rake by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Napkin or Letter Holder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Napkin or letter holder by Walter Bosse
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
2 Bear Penholder by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s (sold and priced per piece)
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
2 Bear penholder made of blackened brass by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s.
Original condition.
The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting
(sold and priced per piece)
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Dancing Women Sculpture in Brass by Walter Bosse, 1950's
By Walter Bosse
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Dancing Women Sculpture in Brass by Walter Bosse, 1950's
Additional Information:
Material: Brass
Style: Mid century, Europe
Produced by Hertha Baller in...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Teddy Bear in Black Golden Line from the Famous Designer Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in ARGENTEUIL, FR
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...
Category
1940s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Walter Bosse Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Walter Bosse sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Walter Bosse sculptures 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 sculptures, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sculptures 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 sculptures by Herta Baller, Richard Rohac, and Leopold Anzengruber. Prices for Walter Bosse sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $120 and can go as high as $3,400, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $357.
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