Rare Pair Eichwald / Royal Dux Porcelain Figures (1905), Signed by Alois Hampel — Early Numbered Models, Museum Quality

This exceptional matched pair of large porcelain figures was produced by Eichwald (later Royal Dux, Bohemia, now Czechia) in the early 20th century. The male figure bears a rare relief inscription “1905 HAMPEL” on the base—a virtually unseen feature for Royal Dux/Eichwald, as most pieces only carry model numbers. Here, full sculptor attribution is preserved, adding immense value.

Dimensions and Weight:

Male musician with Pan flute: height 43 cm, width 15 cm, depth 13 cm, weight 1928g.

Female musician with mandolin: height 44.5 cm, width 18 cm, depth 12 cm, weight 1942g.

Condition:

Male: tip of Pan flute chipped, minor chips to laurel wreath leaves.

Female: end of mandolin handle chipped, left pinky finger missing, small chip to base corner touched up with green paint.

Otherwise, both figures remain in excellent antique condition, retaining vivid painting, fine modelling and original details.

About the Artist:

Alois Hampel (1840–1912) was the chief sculptor and designer at the Eichwald factory from the late 1880s until around 1910. He elevated the factory’s status to a leader of European art porcelain, and his finest, most refined models date specifically from the pre-World War I era, when he was most active. After 1914, Eichwald/Royal Dux production became far more commercial and simplified—a difference clearly visible in auction and museum comparisons. Hampel’s name regularly appears among exhibitors at major international expositions (Vienna, Paris), underlining his reputation. Early, hand-modelled and hand-painted works from this period—especially signed and dated—are considered masterpieces of Central European Art Nouveau porcelain sculpture.

Iconography and Style:

The pair likely represents allegories of Music and Poetry, or simply a male and female musician—a classic subject of the fin-de-siècle era. The young man is depicted with a Pan flute, wearing a laurel wreath; the young woman plays a mandolin. Both figures feature classic drapery, highly individualized faces, and anatomical precision—hallmarks of Hampel’s mature style. The hand-painted glaze is nuanced and complex, with delicate colour transitions highlighting the volume of drapery and expressive faces. Model numbers “1325” and “1326” place them among the best, early production of Eichwald, before the onset of mass-market wares.

Marks and Attribution:

Each figure bears the triangular Eichwald factory mark and a relief signature “HAMPEL”. The male musician’s base is uniquely inscribed “1905”, making the date and author indisputable. These attributes fully conform to museum and auction identification standards.

Rarity and Comparisons:

Early Eichwald/Royal Dux porcelain works signed and dated by Hampel are almost never seen on the open market. Pairs of this size, with complete attribution and in well-preserved condition, are highly sought after by collectors and museums alike. Comparable works appear at major auction houses (Dorotheum, Lempertz, Bonhams) in the €2,000–3,500 range per pair, but usually with less certain attribution and rarely with an explicit date.

Summary:

An absolutely top-tier, fully attributed pair of large porcelain figures, created by one of the greatest Central European sculptors of the Art Nouveau era—Alois Hampel. The “1905” date on the male figure’s base is a true rarity for Royal Dux/Eichwald, confirming both the period and the artist. This pair would be a centrepiece for any advanced private or museum collection.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.