As both a designer and a teacher, the Austrian ceramicist and glassware designer Michael Powolny was an important figure in the development of modernist aesthetics in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. His romantic sculptural pottery figures embrace the lush, dynamic stylings of Gustav Klimt and other progressive artists, while his functional pieces — such as glass bowls and vases — employ the simple linear and geometric ornamentation that marked the work of Josef Hoffmann and other members of the Wiener Werkstätte community of designers and craftsmen.
Powolny received classical training in ceramics from his father, a potter, and at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, but later joined in the modernizing movement in the Austrian arts at the close of the 19th century. In 1897, Klimt, Hoffman, Koloman Moser and other artists and architects founded the Vienna Secession, a group that fought for freedom of expression against the city’s tradition-bound arts establishment. Powolny’s work reflects the changing times. He used classical figures in his ceramics — female nudes, cherubs — yet would dress them in modern ornament such as garlands of abstract, geometric flowers. Pieces from Powolny’s ceramics company were sold through the Wiener Werkstätte (Viennese Workshops) founded by Hoffmann and Moser, and Hoffman later hired Powolny to create ceramic ornamentation for his architectural masterpiece, the Palais Stoclet in Brussels.
Powolny would go on to design glassware that combines elegant, tapering forms with precise linear decoration. His most influential work may have come as a professor at the School of Applied Arts, where he taught both Lucie Rie, the great Austrian-British modernist ceramicist, and the American potter Viktor Schreckengost, creator of the “Jazz Bowl,” an icon of the Streamline Moderne design. As you will see from the items on offer, Michael Powolny’s works have a double appeal: in their sprightly, endearing forms and as artifacts that document a period of signal change in the history of modern arts and crafts.
'Spring', Putto With Flowers, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Naked putto in a wide striding position, his blond head tilted to the left and holding a cascade of fl...
Ceramic
Michael Powolny Art Nouveau Vienna Centrepiece with Three Cherubs, circa 1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Michael Powolny Art Nouveau centrepiece with three cherubs - most lovely ceramics item! Modelled by Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954), circa 1907. Hallmarked: Manufactured by Wiener Keramik (Vienna Ceramics) (WK / hallmarked). Material is ceramics (multicolored painted / glossy finish). Model 113 (model number is impressed / bottom glazed) Monogram of "Michael Powolny (MP)" is impressed, too. Made 1912. ________________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Most lovely three naked male cherub's figurines holding a round plate attached to their heads / the mentioned plate is blue painted at bottom side / the surface of tiered round socle is partially moss green shaded. ________________________________________________________________________________ Height: 21.0 cm (= 8.66 inches) Diameter of platter: 24.5 cm (= 9.64 inches) ________________________________________________________________________________ Bibliography: Waltraud Neuwirth, Markenlexikon für Kunstgewerbe (3), Wiener Keramik / Modelle 1906-13; pages 100-101 Elisabeth Frottier, "Michael Powolny, Keramik und Glas aus Wien 1900-1950", Vienna 1990, page 200, List of Work (= Werkverzeichnis) number W 113 (WV 61), Model 113 ________________________________________________________________________________ Experts of Fine Arts assess Michael Powolny's work nowadays as result of activity of one the most important ceramics sculptors / designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Most of Powolny's successors were strongly under his sway since Powolny had left 'large steps' in Viennese Art of Ceramics. Excellent condition. ____________________________________________________________________________________ About Michael Powolny (Sculptor). As both a designer and a teacher, the Austrian ceramicist and glassware designer Michael Powolny was an important figure in the development of modernist aesthetics in Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. His romantic sculptural pottery figures embrace the lush, dynamic stylings of Gustav Klimt and other progressive artists, while his functional pieces — such as glass bowls and vases — employ the simple linear and geometric ornamentation that marked the work of Josef Hoffmann and other members of the Wiener Werkstätte Community of designers and craftsmen. Powolny received classical training in ceramics from his father, a potter, and at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, but later joined in the modernizing movement in the Austrian arts at the close of the 19th century. In 1897, Klimt, Hoffman, Koloman Moser and other artists and architects founded the Vienna Secession, a group that fought for freedom of expression against the city’s tradition-bound arts establishment. Powolny’s work reflects the changing times. He used classical figures in his ceramics — female nudes, cherubs — yet would dress them in modern ornament such as garlands of abstract, geometric flowers. Pieces from Powolny’s ceramics company were sold through the Wiener Werkstätte (Viennese Workshops) founded by Hoffmann and Moser, and Hoffman later hired Powolny to create ceramic ornamentation for his architectural masterpiece, the Palais Stoclet in Brussels. Powolny would go on to design glassware that combines elegant, tapering forms with precise linear decoration. His most influential work may have come as a professor at the School of Applied Arts, where he taught both Lucie Rie, the great Austrian-British modernist ceramicist, and the American potter Viktor Schreckengost, creator of the “Jazz Bowl...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Ceramic Centerpiece With Three Putti by Michael Powolny Vienna, 1910
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Art Nouveau ceramic sculpture of the early 20th century: Three standing nude putti with bowed heads, carrying a flat, round bowl, standing on a two-tiered base with anothe...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Ceramic Centerpiece With Three Putti by Michael Powolny Vienna, 1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent rare Art Nouveau ceramic sculpture of the early 20th century: Three kneeling, nude cherubs carrying a deep, round bowl, without a plinth, white-glazed ceramic, the outside...
Ceramic
'Autumn', Putto With Grapes, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1913-1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Naked putto in a wide striding position, his blond head tilted to the right and holding a cascade of ...
Ceramic
Standing Bear With Putti, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny, Wiener Keramik Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Art Nouveau ceramic piece in a rare version: Two naked cherubs holding a bear standing upright between them, adorned with a large garland of flowers. On a flat, slightly do...
Ceramic
Michael Powolny Ribbed Glass Vase, Loetz Design, Austria, 1918-1919
By Michael Powolny, Loetz Glass
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
This elegant object of the Loetz glassworks was produced immediately after the First World War, in the years 1918- 1919. Although stylistic as well as technical recourse to past tech...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Large Putto As An Indian, by Michael Powolny, Sommerhuber Austria, 1925-1930
By Sommerhuber Keramik Steyr Co., Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent ceramic piece in the tradition of Michael Powolny: Standing putto, dressed only in a short-sleeved vest and belt, with a feather crown on his blond curls, a small bow and q...
Ceramic
Fine Glass 'November' Beaker by Michael Powolny for Lobmeyr
By Michael Powolny, J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A very fine etched glass beaker designed by Michael Powolny (1871-1954) for Lobmeyr of Vienna. The piece depicts a boy with a horn and a dog inside an etched medallion, representing ...
Glass
Art Deco Green Colored Glazed Vintage Tile by Michael Powolny circa 1925 Austria
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Art deco green colored glazed vintage tile, which shows a motif with a violinist. An amazing vintage tile designed by Michael Powolny, circa 1925, ...
Ceramic
Michael Powolny for Lobmeyr Etched Glass Beaker
By Michael Powolny, J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Brisbane, QLD
An extremely fine glass beaker in a design by Michael Powolny (1871-1954) for Lobmeyr of Vienna. The piece retains its original fitted and labelled retailing box and has the makers m...
Glass
Ceramic Vase Model “#1912” by Morten Løbner Espersen, Denmark, 2016
By Morten Løbner Espersen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Morten Løbner Espersen Ceramic vase model “#1912” Manufactured by Morten Løbner Espersen Copenhagen, 2016 Stoneware and glaze Measureme...
Stoneware
Circa 1910 French Art Nouveau Three-Handled Vase by Alphonse Cytère
By Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Cytère 1
Located in Paris, FR
French Art Nouveau ceramic vase by Alphonse Cytère, circa 1910. The three-handled body is finished with the distinctive metallic surface associated wit...
Ceramic
$1,528 / set
H 5.52 in Dm 3.55 in
Set of Three Vintage Ceramic Plates by Ljuba Naumovitch, French Vallauris, 1960s
By Le Grand Chêne 1, Ljuba Naumovitch
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Set of Three Vintage Ceramic Plates by Ljuba Naumovitch, French Vallauris, 1960s Exceptional set of three plates decorated with women's faces. Emblematic creations of Ljuba Naumovitch in the Atelier Grand Chêne...
Enamel
French Art Nouveau Majolica Wall Plate with Female Portrait, circa 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A beautiful French majolica wall plate from the Art Nouveau period, made around 1900. At its centre is the graceful profile of a young woman with flowing auburn hair and a deep blue ...
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Column with Ceramic Vase
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this splendid column vase, made in Italy, dating back to the early 20th century. The vase is crafted from polychrome glazed ceramic. The eye-catching decoration captures t...
Ceramic
Harmfull Ceramics Sculpture by Alina Rotzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Harmfull ceramics sculpture by Alina Rotzinger Dimensions: H 35 x W 30 x D 20 cm. Materials: high temperature ceramics, oxide pigments and dead flowers. Composed by Alina Rotzin...
Other
White Organic Porcelain Kawa Large Bowl, Tactile Ceramic Centerpiece
By Luft Tanaka
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tactile and organic large porcelain bowl with leather textured exterior surface and a smooth glazed interior. The Kawa Bowls are expressive and lively. With their fluid forms and pro...
Ceramic, Porcelain
$30,445
H 10.24 in W 18.12 in D 10.63 in L 10.24 in
Bunch of Blue Grapes, Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Large bunch of grapes designed by Hans Hedberg (1917-2007) Swedish ceramist who had his studio in Biot, near nice in France. The grapes comes with a stand in acrylic glass that is ...
Ceramic
$976
H 6.5 in W 8.86 in D 7.68 in
Wilhelm Süß for Karlsruher Majolika Art Nouveau Blue Flower Basket Bowl c. 1910
By Karlsruher Majolika
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Wonderful Art Nouveau large ceramic handled bowl or basket by German artist/designer Wilhelm Süß for Karlsruhe Majolika (Majolica) circa 1910. He was one of their top designers at th...
Ceramic, Majolica
Art Nouveau Centrepiece
Located in New York, NY
This ravishing Art Nouveau silver plated centrepiece is decorated with butterflies, flowers, and budding tendrils, and retains the original applied patina and cobalt-blue-glass liner...
Silver Plate
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Fish in Glazed Ceramics
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand. Fish in glazed ceramics. Beautiful glaze in brown shades. Mid-20th century. Measuring: L 17 cm. x H 14,5 cm. In excellent condition. Sig...
Ceramic
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Turtle in Glazed Ceramics, 1970's
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg. Turtle in glazed ceramics. 1970's. Measures: 8 x 4 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Ceramic
$15,000 / set
H 41.34 in Dm 16.54 in
Pair of Enamel Ceramic Planters, Art Nouveau Period, Germany, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of enamel ceramic planters, Art Nouveau period, Germany, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Höganäs Art Nouveau Ceramic Vase
Located in København, Copenhagen
Höganäs Art Nouveau ceramic vase. 23 cm. high. In good condition.
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.5 in W 11.5 in D 4.5 in
WMF Art Nouveau Flower Fruit Centrepiece, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF centrepiece with Art Nouveau floral decoration and the original clear glass liner and silver plate. The Dish on acanthus foliate supports, curvilin...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 6.89 in W 6.7 in D 4.34 in
'Donauweibchen', Danube Mermaid Box, Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Oval, straight-sided lidded box on four ball feet, with a slightly domed lid featuring a fully sculpted group of figures: the naked 'Danube Maiden', the legendary Danube mermaid, emb...
Ceramic
Sold
H 14.97 in W 8.27 in D 7.68 in
'Spring', Putto With Flowers, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Naked putto in a wide stance, head tilted to the left and holding a cascade of flowers falling to the ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 14.97 in W 9.45 in D 6.89 in
'Summer', Putto With Cornucopia, by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1913-1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and very rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Running nude putto with flowing blond hair, a drapery around his front thigh and holding a cornuc...
Ceramic
Sold
H 15.75 in W 7.88 in D 7.09 in
'Winter', Putto With Flower Wreath, Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and very rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Nude putto in a wide striding position with drapery sliding over his back to the ground, holding ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 5.79 in Dm 7.29 in
Loetz Art Nouveau Tango Vase, Execution 157 Opal-Black-Brown, Vienna ca 1914
By Loetz Glass, Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Model blown body, curved, stepped, widening wall, connected to a flat, round base by a fused black nodus, mouth rim with wavy black outline, 16 red-brown threads vertically worked into the top layer, ground flat base ring, no pontil. The Loetz factory came into contact with the Viennese arts and crafts...
Glass
Sold
H 6.7 in W 12.01 in D 6.11 in
Ceramic Writing Set 'Till Eulenspiegel' by Michael Powolny, Austria, 1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Till Eulenspiegel in a brown-red jester's costume with bells, sitting with outstretched legs on a rectangular flat base plate, an owl between his feet and a low, four-sided inkwell w...
Ceramic
Ceramic Inkwell With Putti by Michael Powolny, Vienna Ceramics, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Delicate Art Nouveau ceramic piece: Cylindrical vessel with an openwork relief of running putti, in between colourfully glazed flower bouquets and golden cornucopias with blossoms, t...
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.27 in W 9.06 in D 1.78 in
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror With Flowers And Cupids by Michael Powolny Vienna c 1913
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Oval mirror framed by a dense coloured floral wreath formed of ceramic, on the upper rim two winged putti, between them a bird in the middle. By Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954) Nowada...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.3 in Dm 11.03 in
Art Nouveau Ceramic Centerpiece With Three Putti by Michael Powolny Vienna, 1919
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Three standing nude putti with floral decorations and yellow draperies carrying a shallow round bowl. Without base. By Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Mic...
Ceramic
Sold
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Four Seasonal Crinoline Figurines by Michael Powolny, Viennese Ceramics, c. 1910
By Viennese Manufactory, Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Four pedestal-less crinoline figures with seasonal attributes: Spring: in a floor-length dress with a long scarf and poke bonnet, her head turned to the right to the pigeon sitting on her right arm, in her left hand hanging down a small wreath of flowers. Model number: denotes 225 - error, correct: 223 Summer: in a dress with a large neckline, with a scarf around the waist, the head with the hair loosely tied backwards turned to the left, a broad-brimmed hat decorated with flowers hanging down from the left arm and holding a bouquet with ears of corn in front of her. Model number: 224 Autumn: in a floor-length, checked dress with a light coat and a blue bow around her neck, her head with the pinned up, blond hair tilted to the left, holding green foliage with autumn fruits in her hands. Model number: 225 Winter: with a long, ermine-trimmed coat and scarf, on her blond hair a hat with plumes, her head tilted slightly to the left and both hands buried in front of her in the large muff on which the presents are piled up. Model number: 226 By Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Michael Powolny’s work as the work of one of the most important ceramic artists and designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Powolny's companions and successors were significantly influenced by him, since he had left behind a work that was extremely important for Viennese ceramic art. Powolny's putti - many of them made on behalf of Wiener Keramik (WK) - are sought after by knowledgeable Art Nouveau collectors, both because of their modeling quality and because of the endearing and distinctive appearance. Manufactured by 'Wiener Keramik' (Viennese Ceramics) ceramics, bright earthenware, glossy finish, multicolored hand-painting designed ca. 1910, made circa 1910-1912 Marks: WK+grapes - Wiener Keramik /= Viennese Ceramics MP - signet for Michael Powolny Dimensions: height: ca 30.0 cm / 11.81 in width: ca 20.0 cm / 7.87 in depth: ca 18.0 cm / 7.08 in Bibliography: - Thomas Arlt / Arthur Weilinger, WIENER KERAMIK / VIENNA CERAMICS Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic
Michael Powolny Loetz Blue Piped Opaline Glass Vase
By Michael Powolny
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Loetz opaline art glass vase of tall rounded shape applied with blue glass threads and piping around the rim designed by Michael Powo...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 11.61 in W 9.25 in D 1.57 in
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror with Flowers and Cupids by Michael Powolny, Vienna, 1915
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Oval mirror, framed by a dense, colored flower wreath made of ceramic, on the upper edge two winged putti, between them a bird in the middle. By Michael Powolny (1871-1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Michael Powolny’s work as the work of one of the most important ceramic artists and designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Powolny's companions and successors were significantly influenced by him, since he had left behind a work that was extremely important for Viennese ceramic art. Powolny's putti - many of them made on behalf of Wiener Keramik (WK) - are sought after by knowledgeable Art Nouveau collectors, both because of their modeling quality and because of the endearing and distinctive appearance. Manufactured by United Vienna and Gmunden ceramics ceramics, bright earthenware, glossy finish, multicolored hand-painting Designed circa 1912, made circa 1913-1919 Marks: WK+grapes - Wiener Keramik /= Vienna Ceramics KG+flower - Keramik Gmunden /= Gmunden Ceamics Model number 287 Dimensions: Height 29.5 cm / 11.61 in Width 23.5 cm / 9.25 in Depth 4.0 cm / 1.57 in Bibliography: - Thomas Arlt / Arthur Weilinger, WIENER KERAMIK / VIENNA CERAMICS Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic
Sold
H 7.08 in W 7.87 in D 3.93 in
Art Nouveau Ceramic Figure 'Snail Rider' by Michael Powolny, Vienna, 1913-1917
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Naked boy with blond curls riding on a black snail with a brown house, in his left hand holding the reins made of a garland of flowers. By Michael Powolny (1871-1954) Nowadays, art experts attest Michael Powolny’s work as the work of one of the most important ceramic artists and designers of Austrian Art Nouveau. Powolny's companions and successors were significantly influenced by him, since he had left behind a work that was extremely important for Viennese ceramic art. Powolny's putti - many of them made on behalf of Wiener Keramik (WK) - are sought after by knowledgeable Art Nouveau collectors, both because of their modeling quality and because of the endearing and distinctive appearance. Manufactured by United Vienna and Gmunden Ceramics ceramics, bright earthenware, glossy finish, multicolored hand-painting designed 1907, made circa 1913-1917 Marks: WK+grapes - Wiener Keramik /= Vienna Ceramics GK+flower - Gmundner Keramik /= Gmunden Ceamics Model number 81 Dimensions: Height 18.0 cm / 7.08 in Width 20.0 cm / 7.87 in Depth 10.0 cm / 3.93 in Bibliography: - Thomas Arlt / Arthur Weilinger, Wiener Keramik / VIENNA CERAMICS, Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.1 in W 3.54 in D 3.54 in
Vienna Ceramics Art Nouveau Writing Set With Putto by Michael Powolny, 1910-1912
By Michael Powolny
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Art Nouveau item by Michael Powolny Manufactured by Wiener Keramik (Vienna Ceramics) ceramics, bright earthenware, glossy finish, hand painted Model number 140 Made circa 1910-1912 Marks: WK - Wiener Keramik /= Vienna Ceramics MP - Monogram of Michael Powolny Subject: Cube-shaped vessel with straight, openwork walls with flower tendrils in relief; domed round lid with pearl cord and sculptural putto with cornucopia as lid knob; painted in color, gold staffage; a small glass ink bottle under the lid. Measures: total height 15.5 cm / 6.10 inches width x depth 9.0 x 9.0 cm / 3.54 x 3.54 inches Bibliography: - Thomas Arlt / Arthur Weilinger, WIENER KERAMIK / VIENNA CERAMICS Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic
Sold
H 29.5 in W 13 in D 12 in
Michael Powolny Austrian Ceramic Sculpture of Putto with Flowers, “Summer”
By Michael Powolny
Located in Milford, NH
A fine ceramic Art Nouveau sculpture of a putto with flowers by Austrian sculptor Michael Powolny, (1871-1954). Powolny was born in Judenburg, attended the School of Arts & Crafts in Znaim and, seven years later, went to the School of Arts & Crafts in Vienna. In 1906, he founded the Wiener Keramik together with Bertold Löffler...
Ceramic