Amphora - Vase - Art Nouveau / early Art Deco - Stoneware - 38 cm

Amphora Turn-Teplitz – Large Art Nouveau / Early Art Deco Vase – Czechoslovakia, c. 1918–1930s

No Reserve Price

An impressive and highly decorative Amphora vase, produced in Turn-Teplitz, Czechoslovakia, during the early decades of the 20th century. Standing approximately 38 cm high, this substantial piece represents the fascinating transition from the flowing decorative vocabulary of Art Nouveau and Jugendstil towards the increasingly geometric language of early Art Deco.

The vase has a striking architectural silhouette, dominated by an elaborate arrangement of openwork sculptural handles covered in a rich deep cobalt-blue glaze. Its tall flaring neck is articulated with alternating vertical bands of pale blue and ivory, followed by a contrasting band of green and turquoise. The combination of dusty rose, cobalt blue, soft blue, ivory and green creates an exceptionally distinctive and sophisticated palette.

The principal decoration depicts a classically inspired male figure seated on rocks. Rather than representing an identifiable Greek deity, the figure is best understood as an evocation of Greco-Roman antiquity, interpreted through the highly stylised visual language of early 20th-century decorative art. Strong dark outlines and simplified forms give the image an almost graphic quality.

The reverse is equally carefully decorated, featuring a large blue-and-ivory chequerboard panel surmounted by a stylised rosette. Vertical stripes, triangular borders and strongly delineated geometric fields contrast beautifully with the sinuous curves of the handles. This interplay between organic and geometric elements makes the vase particularly interesting as a transitional work between Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

The surface is further enriched by a highly textured rose-coloured ground and polychrome glazed and enamel-like decoration. The contrasting glossy cobalt elements and more tactile areas of the body give the vase considerable visual depth and emphasise its handcrafted character.

At approximately 38 cm in height, the vase has an impressive presence and works beautifully as a statement decorative object. Despite being around a century old, its unusual colour combination, bold geometry and sculptural silhouette give it a surprisingly modern appearance.

The vase bears an Amphora Czechoslovakia factory mark, placing its production after the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

Historical note: The celebrated Amphora pottery was established in 1892 in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia (today Trnovany, part of Teplice in the Czech Republic) by Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel. The manufactory became internationally renowned for its technically sophisticated and highly imaginative art pottery, particularly during the Art Nouveau and Jugendstil era. Its designers drew inspiration from nature, Symbolism, historicism, classical antiquity and mythological imagery, often combining sculptural forms with elaborate polychrome decoration. Following the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the factory continued production at Turn-Teplitz, developing its earlier Art Nouveau vocabulary alongside increasingly geometric and modern influences. Amphora remained active until 1945, and its distinctive ceramics are today among the most recognisable and collectible examples of Bohemian and Central European art pottery.

Will be carefully packaged and well protected