Herta Baller - Walter Bosse - Figure - Bronze

Walter Bosse – Herta Baller – Miniature Monkey Figurine – Blackened Brass – Austria – Mid-Century Modern – 1950s – Signed

Offered for auction is a charming original vintage miniature brass monkey figurine, designed by the celebrated Austrian artist and designer Walter Bosse (1904–1979) and produced by Herta Baller in Vienna, Austria.

This delightful little sculpture is a characteristic example of Walter Bosse's famous Black Golden Line, a collection of stylised animal figures combining blackened brass surfaces with polished golden details.

Despite its small dimensions, the monkey has a wonderfully expressive appearance and a playful, humorous character.

The figure depicts a seated monkey with large rounded ears, a prominent muzzle, a smiling expression and an amusing pose. One arm extends outwards while the other forms an elegant curved loop beside its body.

The monkey rests on a small circular base, making it a charming freestanding decorative sculpture.

Designer and manufacturer

Walter Bosse (1904–1979) was an influential Austrian sculptor, ceramicist and designer, internationally recognised for his playful and imaginative animal figures.

During the mid-20th century, Bosse developed a distinctive collection of decorative objects in blackened and polished brass.

These designs became known as the Black Golden Line and were produced in collaboration with the Viennese manufacturer Herta Baller.

His work is particularly admired for its combination of modernist simplicity, expressive animal shapes, humour and functional decorative design.

The Black Golden Line became one of the most recognisable examples of Austrian Mid-Century Modern decorative art.

Today, Walter Bosse's miniature brass animals are collected internationally and are appreciated for their distinctive designs, craftsmanship and playful appearance.

Signature and identification

The underside of the circular base bears a manufacturer's mark associated with Baller, Austria.

This marking is an important identifying characteristic and is visible in the photographs.

The design, proportions, materials and characteristic black-and-gold finish correspond to Walter Bosse's miniature animal figures produced for Herta Baller during the mid-20th century.

Material and finish

The monkey is made of cast brass with a beautiful dark patinated finish, combined with polished golden brass highlights.

The predominantly black and dark brown surface contrasts attractively with the warm golden details on the monkey's face, ears, arms, legs and circular base.

This characteristic decorative treatment is commonly referred to as blackened brass, black and gold brass, patinated brass or the Black Golden Line finish.

The sculpture features a combination of smooth rounded forms and subtly textured surfaces, giving the small animal an expressive and individual appearance.

The naturally aged patina further enhances its vintage character.

Dimensions

Approximate dimensions:

Width: 4.3 cm (43 mm)
Height: 4.0 cm (40 mm)
Depth: 2.4 cm (24 mm)

Designer: Walter Bosse
Manufacturer: Herta Baller
Country of origin: Austria
Period: Circa 1950s
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Austrian Modernism
Material: Patinated and polished brass
Colour: Black, dark brown and gold
Subject: Monkey / Ape
Marking: Baller Austria
Quantity: 1 miniature figurine

Condition

The miniature monkey is in attractive vintage condition, with a characteristic dark patina and warm polished brass highlights.

There are minor signs of age and handling, consistent with its vintage character.

Please carefully examine all photographs for an accurate impression of the condition, surface finish and manufacturer's marking.

The photographs form an integral part of the description.

Decorative and collecting interest

This miniature sculpture is particularly appealing to collectors of Walter Bosse, Herta Baller, Hertha Baller, Bosse Baller, Austrian design, Viennese design, Mid-Century Modern, Austrian Modernism, 1950s design and 20th-century decorative arts.

It is also of interest to enthusiasts of monkeys, monkey figurines, monkey statues, monkey sculptures, ape figurines, primates, chimpanzee figures, animal miniatures, brass animals, miniature animal sculptures, wildlife figurines and collectible animal ornaments.

Additional collecting categories include vintage brass figurines, blackened brass, patinated brass, polished brass, Black Golden Line, Black Gold Line, Austrian brass, Viennese brass figures, solid brass ornaments, brass miniatures, miniature sculptures, animalier art and modernist animal sculptures.

Other relevant themes include vintage desk ornaments, small decorative sculptures, miniature collectibles, decorative metalwork, European design classics, retro home accessories, Austrian craftsmanship, humorous animal figures, whimsical sculptures, small brass statues, collectible design objects and vintage decorative art.

Walter Bosse is particularly well known among collectors for his miniature animal designs, including monkeys, hedgehogs, bears, cats, dogs, elephants, owls and numerous other stylised creatures.

The monkey is a particularly charming example of his humorous and expressive approach to animal sculpture.

Display possibilities

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the figurine can be displayed in a collector's cabinet, on a bookshelf, desk, side table or alongside other Mid-Century Modern decorative objects.

Its black-and-gold finish makes it attractive in both modern and traditional interiors.

The miniature is also a lovely addition to a collection of Walter Bosse's animal figures or vintage Austrian decorative metalwork.

Shipping

Will be shipped with track and trace.

A charming original miniature brass monkey designed by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller, Austria, dating from approximately the 1950s.

An appealing example of Austrian Mid-Century Modern design, combining playful animal sculpture, blackened brass, polished golden highlights and the unmistakable character of Walter Bosse's Black Golden Line.