Antique Victorian Art Nouveau figurine. Amphora porcelain ceramic bust. Made by Alfred Stellmacher - Amphora RSTK in Turn-Teplitz, Austria 19th century 1884-94.
Measurements:
14inches high.
Sculpted model or figural bust of a young woman by Alfred Stellmacher (later RStK ). The girl wears Victorian dress, but manages to convey a distinctively oriental appearance, which reflects the style of Alfred Stellmacher. A huge bow in her hair. She wears a finely detailed dress. A naturalistic pedestal base, with applied flowers and berries in immitation of a tree trunk.
The modelling is highly realistic. Her folded hands are amazingly life-like. The expression and character shown in the face a great example of Stellmacher's reputation as a great sculptor and modeller. (see story below).
Beautiful creamy tone to porcelain. Some gold highlights like buttons of her dress.
Marks:
Marked underneath with the violet stamp (partly erased) AS-1, used by Alfred Stellmacher from 1884-1894.
Condition:
very good condition. No chips/cracks/damage/losses/restoration of any sort.
The Story:
Alfred Stellmacher was a pioneering Bohemian ceramicist born in 1837, best known for his role in founding the renowned Amphora porcelain works. His figurines and decorative ceramics are prized for their intricate detail, expressive forms, and rich Art Nouveau styling.
In 1892, Stellmacher joined forces with his son Eduard and his sons-in-law—Karl and Hans Riessner, and Rudolf Kessel—to establish Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel (RStK) in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia. This factory became famous for producing luxury porcelain objects, including figurines, busts, and vases that often featured mythological, Orientalist, or naturalistic themes.
These pieces were typically made from a unique ceramic material known as ivory porcelain, developed by Stellmacher himself. It had a soft, matte finish that allowed for more elaborate modeling and surface decoration. His works often included fantastical creatures, flowing drapery, and highly expressive human figures—hallmarks of the Art Nouveau movement
