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Walter Bosse Figurative 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 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...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Crocodile Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This crocodile 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. Model N° BO 6...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Hedgehog Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This hedgehog 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. Model N° BO 60...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Vide-Poche, Grotesque At A Bowl, Walter Bosse, Austria 1924-1936
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A playful combination of the functional and the decorative: Female figure in a floor-length, loose dress with a headscarf, a simple face with pierced eyes set wide apart – a long nos...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

PENGUIN Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This penguin baby 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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Zodiac Sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Zodiac sign "Sagittarius" by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition.   
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative 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 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, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

ELEPHANT Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This elephant 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 special i...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

VTG Walter Bosse Cast Brass / Bronze Figural Giraffe Figurine Mid Century Modern
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Walter Bosse figurines Elephant brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

ELEPHANT Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This elephant 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 ...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Squirrel Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This squirrel 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 ...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse figurine Penguin brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Penguin. New production made in Austria. The figurine is special in its own way and requires 14 work steps. It is a "lost wax casting" piece. In 2000 a Viennese public house release...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse figurine BOAR brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Boar. New production made in Austria. The figurine is special in its own way and requires 14 work steps. It is a "lost wax casting" piece. Model number BO21 In 2000 a Viennese publi...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse figurines Duck brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Paragraph Lawyer Brass Sculpture, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A Midcentury brass figurine, displaying a paragraph form the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria. In very g...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Hedgehog ashtray set Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Dwarf 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 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 Figurative 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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Figurative 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 Figurative 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 Figurative 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 Figurative 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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Related Items
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.
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1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Brass

Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
H 1.19 in W 2.76 in D 1.58 in
Miniature Owl Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
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Classic mid-century 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. This gorgeous small miniature creature with big personality designed by Walter Bosse, an expert craftsman from the golden age of Vienna bronzes is a real beauty. He designed his “black/gold” series of bronze figurines to make “as many people as possible happy.” Excellent example of a Walter Bosse brass figurine...
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1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Walter Bosse brass hedgehog figurine pretzel holder, ring holder around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse brass hedgehog figurine pretzel holder, ring holder around 1950s Original condition
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ELEPHANT Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
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This elephant 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 special i...
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2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Poodle Figurine, Lucky Charm, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming poodle figurine, made of brass designed by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller, Austria. In excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Brass

Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Jewelry Ring Holder, 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...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Sculpture Stacking Ashtrays 1950s Austrian
By Walter Bosse
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Ashtray in painted metal, with a green and gold patina. The artist is Walter bosse, and this model is the luxury one. Brass Walter Bosse Hedgehog Sc...
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1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Bronze

Small rabbit figurine by walter bosse vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Small rabbit figurine by walter bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Walter Bosse Bear Figurine
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse bear figurine Original condition.  
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Bear Figurine
Walter Bosse Bear Figurine
H 0.79 in Dm 0.79 in
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Brass Ashtrays, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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 brass, ...
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Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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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
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Brass

Previously Available Items
FOX Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This fox 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 Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of Seals Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria TALISMAN
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This pair of seals 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 figur...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Hedgehog Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This hedgehog 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. Model N° BO 54...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Giraffe Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This cute giraffe was produced in Austria and is signed ot the bottom: Bosse Austria. The piece is wrapped in a fabric pouch, included a certificate, too. In 2000 a Viennese public ...
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2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Brass

DONKEY Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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 on the Viennese brass. Born in Vienna 1904 Bosse was a student of Micheal Powolny, Franz Cizek and Richard Riemerschmid. He initially worked with ceramic sold by Wiener Werkstätte, Augarten and Goldscheider. Most of the sculptures had a grotesque touch, lips, eyes, fingers showed an almost childish joy about details. His studies of facial expressions were known all over the world. In the late 40ties Bosse began to produce countless animal brass miniatures in which he shows his admiration for the various forms of creatures. With his colleague Karl Hagenauer he created several figures inspired by the theme “zoo” like elephants, bears, giraffes. This donkey figurine...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

DONKEY Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse figurine BULL brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Figurine: Bull Taurus. New production made in Austria. The figurine is special in its own way and requires 14 work steps. It is a "lost wax casting" piece. Model number 6094 In 200...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse figurine Pair of CATS brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This pair of cats 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...
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse figurines Penguin brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse figurines Elephant brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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...
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2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Giraffe Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
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2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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DONKEY Walter Bosse figurines brass patinated new Vienna Austria
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...
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2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Walter Bosse Figurative Sculptures

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Walter Bosse figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Walter Bosse figurative 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 figurative sculptures, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original figurative sculptures by Walter Bosse were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider figurative sculptures by Herta Baller, Richard Rohac, and Leopold Anzengruber. Prices for Walter Bosse figurative sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $200 and can go as high as $820, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $246.

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