Antique Rare Porcelain Figurine of Cupid by Wahliss, Teplitz-turn, Austria, C. Early 20th Century

An antique, very rare, hand-painted beige figurine of Cupid, depicted as a blacksmith, was created by masters from the Wahliss Teplitz-Turn Bohemia factory, Austria (now Trnovany, Czech Republic), in the early 20th century. Cupid, with wings and a quiver of arrows on his back, is portrayed as a small blacksmith. He is wearing an apron and standing next to a blacksmith's furnace with coal and a small anvil, enthusiastically working with a hammer, presumably forging arrows. The piece is finely hand-painted with excellent detailing, including clear facial features, and Cupid's pose appears very lifelike. Some elements—such as the wings, apron, quiver, and anvil—are coated in matte gold, giving the appearance of a sprayed effect, while the contours of the entire composition are outlined in gilding.

On the bottom is a red shield coat of arms mark, reading ‘EW, Turn Vienna, Made in Austria’ and a pattern number. Teplitz refers to art pottery produced by various companies in the Teplitz-Turn region of Bohemia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, one of which belonged to Ernst Wahliss.

Ernst Wahliss was born in 1836. He was a leading Vienna retailer of porcelain and ceramic goods. His Vienna store was established in 1863. His business was so successful that he was able to open additional stores in major European cities such as London, and supply many European royal families with ceramics of the highest quality.

In 1894, Ernst Wahliss decided to take over the Alfred Stellmacher factory in Turn-Teplitz (situated in what is now the Czech Republic). He renamed the factory "Ernst Wahliss Kunst, Porzellan und Fayence Fabrik." The company produced large quantities of various wares and received numerous awards at exhibitions. Ernst died in 1900. Two years later, his sons, Hans and Erich, bought 600 moulds from the Imperial and Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna. Using these molds, they started making reproductions of Vienna porcelain. In 1905, the company was renamed "Alexandra Porcelain Works Ernst Wahliss." In 1907, the factory was acquired by Gerhard Martin Wahliss. By 1910, the factory had shifted focus to faience production. The factory temporarily closed during World War I. In 1921, it became part of Porzellanfabrik Union AG, and production ceased in 1929.

The works of Ernst Wahliss can be found in many museums worldwide.

Dimensions: Height 19.5 cm, Width 10 cm, Depth 11 cm, Weight 870 grams.

Condition: Excellent antique condition, no chips, cracks, crazing, nicks, or repairs.

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. It is important to note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.