Eichwald Bernhard Bloch - Bernhard Bloch - Figure - Schiffschale mit Putten - Porcelain

Eichwald Bernhard Bloch - Centerpiece, Porzellanfabrik Chodov, Czech Republic / Bohemia
Model number 1670/2

A piece of jewelry, first-rate quality.
Size: 35 cm and about 6 kg.
Manufactured around 1890–1905.

The Eichwald brand traces its origins to Bernhard Bloch's factory in Dubí (formerly Eichwald). He was one of the most important producers of majolica and porcelain in Bohemia.

The stylistic features: bold blue-and-gold, Rocaille ornaments, putti
This factory produced many decorative, richly designed pieces in the Rococo Revival, often featuring angels, ship forms, flowers, and heavy Baroque shapes.
Large porcelain sculptures (45 cm) are considerably rarer and more labor-intensive to produce.
Larger pieces like these also weigh considerably more, which speaks to the density and material quality.
A turtle head is missing on the back side, not visible from the front. See images 5 and 6.

This table centerpiece by Eichwald (Bernhard Bloch) is a classic example of the Neobaroque or Rococo revival, which was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The form recalls a galley or a shell-barque resting on a pedestal carried by turtles. In art symbolism, turtles are often associated with constancy and longevity—a nice contrast to the dynamic “waves” on the hull of the ship.
The puppets bring the piece to life. One Putte acts as a lookout or torchbearer at the bow, while the other two interact at the stern.