Ernst Wahliss Co (Austria, 1894-1929)
Iris Vase with Cap, c. 1897-1902
Pierced Neck & Cap, Buttress Handles
Gilt, Cobalt, Tube-Lined, Hand-Painted Porcelain
6 ½” high x 3 ¼” wide
Notes: An early buttressed ‘Iris’ vase, no 5467, by the Ernst Wahliss Co (Turn-Wein, 1894-1929), c. 1897-1902.
The complex diminutive baluster form is finished with buttress handles, a pierced neck and mouth, capped with a delicate pierced lid with finial, and raised on an integral circular plinth foot. The neck is pierced with six-sided gilt star within a circle. Especial care was taken in the decorating of this vase as the polychrome enamel iris blossoms are highlighted with delicate gilt hatching and tube-lined to offer a luminous “luster” effect. The central Art Nouveau flowers reside on a blush ground with a reflected reverse gradient, the wing handles, rim and foot are glazed with a soft and verdant green and the vase is finished at the buttress joints with scrolling gilt, and at the foot with both beaded and egg and dart detailing. The biological structure of the iris stems is echoed in the use of coloured glaze to match the colour of the buttress joints, buttress outer edge and plinth.
Markings: EW-3 ‘DEPOSE’ / [E. W. Crown] / ‘Turn Wien’ Mark Registered June 10, 1896 Liberac Printed in Light Blue; impressed ‘5467’ / ’17’ c. 1897-1902; hand-painted ‘III’ / ‘5467 / 2412’ / ‘15’ in green
Condition: Excellent, Antique
For Accuracy: an antique it may show expected light signs of age. The gilt and tube-lined highlights are excellent, with bright colours and a compact and complex form.
Reference: The House of Amphora; Scott, Mergl, Pankova, Binstadt; 2004.
