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.
Stackable mid-century brass hedgehog ashtrays by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in München, BY
Original mid-century stackable brass hedgehog ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller. Beautiful design. Made in Austria. Manufactured in the 1950s. The hedgehogs are complete wit...
Brass
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
"Noodle" Dachshund Brass Dog Bottle Opener by Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Classic early 1950s Austrian bottle opener, attributed to the Austrian Illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans depiction of "Noodle" the Dachshund dog. It was made by Bosse in Vienna. Measure...
Brass
$359Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Giraffe by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Giraffe by Walter Bosse around 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...
Bronze, Brass
Walter Bosse Fish Mid-Century Brass Corkscrew, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural mid-century cork screw bottle opener in the form of a fish. Crafted from brass with a combination of polished and black-patinated surfaces. This charming and humorous de...
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...
Brass
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s Original condition
Ceramic
$295Sale Price|28% Off
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse cat figurine with thermometer, 1950s Austrian desk thermometer, cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. Designed by Walter Bosse...
Brass
Walter Bosse Midcentury Cow Brass Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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
Zodiac Sign Twins Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s ( signed )
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Zodiac Sign Twins Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s ( signed ) Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s Original condition
Brass
Mid Century bronze table or hand ashtray by Walter Bosse in the shape of a fish
By Walter Bosse
Located in München, DE
Original Mid-Century Modern bronze table or handheld ashtray by Walter Bosse. Beautiful, great design in the shape of a fish. Made in Austria. Manufactured in the 1950s. Very good co...
Bronze
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Midcentury Wall Hook "Rabbit" by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
rare brass ebonized wall hook "rabbit". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
Midcentury Wall Hook "Lion" by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass ebonized wall hook "lion". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
$370 / item
Midcentury Wall Hook "Dog" by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass ebonized wall hook "dog". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage 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
Candle Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Candle holder vienna around 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Monkey Salt and Pepper Shakers Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
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 Candleholder 'cat' 'Marked'
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse candleholder (cat) (Marked) (The selling is without the candle it is only decoration for the photo shooting) Original condition.
Brass
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
$320 / item
Midcentury Wall Hook "Cat" by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass ebonized wall hook "cat". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
$370 / item
Midcentury Wall Hook "Bear" by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare brass ebonized wall hook "bear". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
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 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
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
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
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Candle Holder, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
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
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
Hedgehog Sculpture by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller.
Metal
Cute Little Figure Angel Candleholder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass blackened candleholder in form of angel figurine made in Austria in the 1950s.
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Rooster Mid-Century Umbrella Stand for Herta Baller, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
This striking umbrella stand, which can also serve as a paper basket or wastepaper bin, dates back to the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse and crafted by Hertha Baller in Vienna, Aust...
Metal, Brass, Iron
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
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 bear thermometer holder for wall mounting vienna around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse bear thermometer holder for wall mounting vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$496Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Walter Bosse Key Hanger Monkeys
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Rare Walter Bosse key hanger monkeys Original 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
Small Walter Bosse Cat Figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small Walter Bosse cat figurine, Vienna, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Cat Zoo Brass Animal Wall Hook by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely Austrian modernist animal zoo coat wall hook, displaying a cat, our favourite hook. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Vienna / Austria in the 19...
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
Beautiful Walter Bosse Austrian Bronze Bear Bottle Opener 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
"Noodle" Dachshund Brass Dog Bottle Opener by Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Classic early 1950s Austrian bottle opener, attributed to the Austrian Illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans depiction of "Noodle" the Dachshund dog. It was made by Bosse in Vienna. Measure...
Brass
Small Walter Bosse Penguin Figurine Vienna around 1950s ' Marked '
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse penguin figurine vienna around 1950s ( Marked ) Original condition.
Brass
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
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 Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Brass Monkey Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder Original condition
Brass
Small elephant by Walter bosse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Small elephant by Walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
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
$320 / item
Midcentury Wall Hook "Cow" by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass ebonized wall hook "cow". Designed by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Vienna from the 1950s. Used but in very good vintage condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Swallow Birds Key Holder Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter bosse swallow birds key holder around 1950s The key is not included ( only for the photoshooting ).
Brass
Miniature Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic midcentury 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...
Bronze, Brass
Umbrella Stand with Fish, Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Umbrella stand fish, brass blackened metal, Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s.
Metal, 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
brass "ELEFANT" Hook Coat Element by WALTER BOSSE Herta Baller, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Herta Baller, Bauhaus, Walter Bosse
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wardrobe key hook element design by WALTER BOSSE, executed by HERTA BALLER Origin: Austria Age: 1950s Description: This original vintage hook element was produced...
Metal, Brass
$236Sale Price|33% Off
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
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
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s Original condition
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