Umkreis - Franz Xaver Bergmann - Inkwell - Bronze (cold-painted) - Bronze sheet (gold-plated/cold-painted) - Glass - Brass

Wiener Bronze desk set “The Fox” – Rare hunting-themed atelier work with the original crystal inkwell, Austria around 1900

An object of extraordinary presence, created for the desk of a connoisseur.

This rare and expertly designed writing set marries the elegance of Viennese Art Nouveau with the romantic symbolic world of hunting. At its center is a finely modeled fox head of remarkable expressiveness, embedded in a lattice of stylized branches and leaf ornaments. The composition rests on an architecturally designed pedestal with decorative acorn feet – a classic symbol of the forest and hunting.

The original crystal inkwell with brass cap is intact and lends the ensemble additional authenticity and collector’s value. The polychrome cold-painted finish shows the craftsmanship refinement typical of high-quality Viennese bronzes. Age-related wear reveals the underlying yellowish metal in several places, confirming the high metalwork quality.

The artistic design immediately recalls the famous Viennese bronze workshops of the early 20th century, particularly the milieu of Franz Xaver Bergmann, whose workshop was renowned internationally for extraordinary animal representations, decorative utilitarian objects, and artistic inkwells. Bergmann’s studios produced numerous functional art objects and animal motifs, including rare writing sets and inkwells. Moreover, many authentic pieces from the Viennese bronze milieu are known, remaining unmarked or marked only internally.

What is especially noteworthy is the extraordinary design of this piece. Despite extensive research, no identical specimen could be found. This speaks for a rare small-series production, an atelier-made piece, or a specialized design from the milieu of Viennese art bronzes. It is precisely these individually crafted objects that today rank among the most sought-after collectibles of this era.

The fox, as a symbol of wit, elegance, and hunting tradition, gives the piece a distinctive presence. In combination with the floral Art Nouveau forms, it creates a work of art that goes far beyond the function of a writing instrument and may be considered an independent collector’s item.

An exceptional piece for collectors of Viennese bronzes, lovers of historical writing sets, fans of decorative hunting art, as well as for demanding interiors, libraries, and studies.

Features:
* Austria, probably Vienna, around 1900–1925
* Viennese bronze in the style of Franz Xaver Bergmann’s workshops
* Polychrome-painted fox head
* Original crystal inkwell with brass cap
* Hunting motif with acorn and leaf ornamentation
* Height approx. 17.5 cm
* Width approx. 12 cm
* Depth approx. 12 cm
* Unmarked
* Rare variant, no identical comparison piece documented to date

An charismatic and rare art object of the Viennese bronze tradition – created for collectors who seek the extraordinary.

Condition: minimal. Wear to the polychrome painting at the tips of the fox’s ears …one screw/mounting is missing on the underside… nothing that impair the function or beauty of the piece (see photos)!