Antique Rudolstadt Rw Vases with Dolphins, Late 19th Century

A rare pair of exquisite German porcelain hand-painted oval vases with lids, these pieces are authentic antiques from the Rudolstadt Straus & Söhne company. The vases feature a rich cobalt blue color adorned with an unusual and intricate hand-painted design, making them a perfect addition to any collection. Each vase is supported by four dolphins and features handles shaped like goat heads with horns, all of which are fully gilded. The finials on the lids are also elaborately patterned and gilded. The vases are decorated with floral motifs depicting multicolored asters.

The generous use of gilding adds to their luxurious and attractive appearance. These vases were crafted using traditional porcelain techniques and have a rich history spanning over a century.

A Brief History of the Company:

In 1869, Lazarus Straus founded Lazarus Straus & Sons, an American firm specializing in the import and wholesale of ceramics and glass. In 1882, the New York and Rudolstadt Pottery Company was established in the United States, with a German subsidiary headed by Julius Straus, a relative of Lazarus. This subsidiary, named Porzellanfabrik Rudolstadt Straus & Söhne AG, produced luxury coffee and tea sets, figurines, and dinnerware. Initially, all items were produced in the Rudolstadt factory. As the business expanded, the Rudolstadt factory also coordinated and exported contract pieces produced at other factories in Bohemia and France.

By 1891, the company had established further subsidiaries in France (a decoration studio in the Limoges area) and Austrian Bohemia. The Rudolstadt factory then began functioning as the coordinator and export hub for all subsidiaries. In 1913, the German factory employed around 300 workers, with approximately one-third dedicated solely to export transactions. Eventually, the Rudolstadt factory began manufacturing items for sale in Europe. However, business declined in the 1920s, and the Rudolstadt factory closed in 1930. Today, the most successful pieces from this factory are highly sought after by collectors. At the time of their creation, vases of this complexity were produced in very limited quantities, and after a century of wars and other cataclysms, they remain unique and exclusive.

Dimensions:

Height: 33 cm, Width: 19 cm, Depth: 13 cm, Total Weight: 2132 grams

Condition:

Slight scuffs to the gilding consistent with age. Otherwise, in excellent antique condition.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.