Franz Bergmann - Figure - Tänzerin - Bronze

Wiener Bronze Franz Xaver Bergmann – Mechanical Trick Bronze “Nam Greb” Jug 25 cm

Description:
For sale is a rare and sought-after antique-orientalist Viennese bronze from the world-famous manufactory of Franz Xaver Bergmann (1861–1936). The sculpture shows a dancer richly adorned in oriental style standing on a patterned pedestal.

This is a so-called metamorphic “trick bronze”: The skirt of the figure can be moved upward via a folding mechanism, revealing the unveiled erotic figure. The surface is classically finely chiselled and hand-painted (cold-painted bronze).

Rarity & Market Situation:
• Objects of this type in flawless condition with a functioning mechanism are extremely rare on the open market.
• Pieces with the genuine Nam Greb signature and the Krug stamp appear only very sporadically at specialized art auctions and are regarded by collectors worldwide as coveted rarities.

Marking & Signature:
• Signature: Stamped with the famous anagram “Nam Greb” (Bergmann backwards), which Bergmann used specifically for his erotic motifs.
• Foundry mark: Stamped with the original Bergmann jug/jar with monogram.

Dimensions & Weight:
• Overall height (closed): 21 cm
• Overall height (with raised skirt): 25 cm
• Height of the pure figure: 16 cm
• Pedestal diameter / depth: 7 cm
• Weight: approx. 941 g

Condition & Function:
Age-related, very nice overall condition with authentic patina and slight signs of wear on the cold painting, which underscore the antique character. The folding mechanism runs smoothly and holds the position as intended.
I am dissolving my collection after about 35 years.
For antiques I assume no liability and no warranty.
As for authenticity, yes.