This superb work of early 20th century Art Nouveau design is by W. Henker & Co. (now defunct) of Berlin and crafted from compressed 'Lavanite', an artificial stone patented by the company. Little is known about the company but from the separately sourced leaflets and price lists, Henker and Co. had been producing a variety of household and office items such as bookends, vases, inkwells, sculptures and clocks in Lavanite for around 20 years.
The piece is distinctly Art Nouveau, with long, sinuous and organic lines which create magnificent curving silhouettes all over the piece. The gentle detail in the stylised relief fanning at the base of the handles and the band of circles around the base further lifts the piece.
This is an excellent statement piece, brimming with subtle presence in its semi-matte understated black and wonderfully curvaceous form.
CONDITION
Very Good. There is mild wear in the form of faint grazes and watermarks all over that is commensurate with the age of the piece and is mentioned for completeness. The most visually-evident wear is to the rim and base which reveals small amounts of the base 'artificial stone' material, please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is marked with the model number '126' and 'PATENT'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 11.4" / 29 cm (from base to rim) x c. 9.3" / 23.5 cm in diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 5" / 12.7 cm. Rim diameter: c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2 kg / 1,946 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.