A stunning and exceptionally rare Art Nouveau vase made by Ernst Wahliss in Austria ca. 1900. Wahliss had a large output but this is a piece that stands out with its artistic and technical qualities. The vase is shaped like a bitter gourd with great realism and attention to detail. The side is covered with hops vines sculpted in full relief. The exceptional quality of the work and the technical challenges of the decoration would have made it impossible for this piece to be produced in large quantities, no other vase with this shape and decoration is known, a vase with the same decor but a more conventional shape was sold by Litchfield Auctions (2022.09.21. - Lot 437) for 500 USD - see last screenshot. 11,5 cm high 26 X 12 cm Overall visually in good condition with some losses from the hops flowers and leaves that don't disturb the overall appeal of the piece. A true masterpiece of Ernst Wahliss and a beautiful collector's piece that would look stunning in any collection of Austrian Art Nouveau.