Amphora

Jugendstil—the Germanic name for the sinuous, ethereal design style best known as Art Nouveau—rarely found better expression in ceramics that at the kilns of Amphora. In 1892, Austrian potter Alfred Stellmacher and four relatives opened a workshop that produced earthenware featuring plants, animals, mythical creatures, simulated jewels and even portraits in the style of Gustav Klimt and other fashionable painters of the era. Each piece was signed Amphora. The factory also produced ewers, bowls, tureens, and other diverse shapes. Located in the former spa resort town of Turn-Teplitz (now part of the Czech Republic), the Amphora factory took advantage of the abundant kaolin in the local riverbeds—as well as the energy produced by the rivers themselves—in manufacturing their arresting wares.
Amphora pieces were painstakingly produced via a method that included detailed sketches, intricate carving and molding and luminous iridescent glazing. All culminated with repeated firings of the clay—sometimes as many as ten times. As a result, the firm won worldwide acclaim, taking gold medals at the Chicago and St. Louis World’s Fairs. Its wares were sold by luxury emporiums like Tiffany & Co.
Collectors prize Amphora vases for their delicate, naturalistic designs, and larger pieces often command prices in the tens of thousands. Equally sought after are portrait busts featuring religious, literary and allegorical themes. If you’re mourning the end of Downton Abbey and you’d like to add a dash of Lady Edith’s bohemian flair to your home, an Amphora vase or bowl will serve as a unique conversation piece.
1890s Austrian Antique Amphora
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Amphora
Porcelain
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Amphora
Ceramic
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Amphora
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Amphora
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Austrian Amphora
Porcelain
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Amphora
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Amphora
Ceramic
Late 19th Century Austrian Classical Greek Antique Amphora
Ceramic, Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Amphora
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Czech Greek Revival Amphora
Earthenware
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Amphora
Crystal, Bronze
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Amphora
Ceramic
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Amphora
Ceramic
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Amphora
Ceramic
1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Amphora
1950s Swedish Vintage Amphora
Blown Glass
1940s Danish Vintage Amphora
1950s Italian Vintage Amphora
Copper
1940s Dutch Vintage Amphora
Glass
1950s Swedish Vintage Amphora
Glass
1950s Swedish Vintage Amphora
Glass
1930s French Vintage Amphora
1960s Italian Vintage Amphora
Ceramic
1950s Italian Vintage Amphora
Murano Glass
1930s Italian Vintage Amphora
Blown Glass
1940s Swedish Vintage Amphora
Ceramic
19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Amphora
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Amphora
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Amphora
Majolica
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Amphora
Majolica
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Amphora
Ceramic
1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Amphora
Chrome, Metal
Early 1900s Czech Antique Amphora
Porcelain
1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Amphora
Porcelain, Pottery
Early 1900s French Art Deco Antique Amphora
Ceramic
1960s Belgian Vintage Amphora
Chrome
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Amphora
Majolica