Rare Ernst Wahliss Austrian Terracotta Relief Plaque – “Refugee Monkey Family in America” Satirical Wall Plaque C.1900–1920

Rare Ernst Wahliss Austrian Terracotta Relief Plaque – “Refugee Monkey Family in America” Satirical Wall Plaque c.1900–1920

A rare and highly unusual antique Austrian terracotta relief wall plaque, produced by the renowned Carl Ernst Wahliss Factory, dating from approximately 1900–1920. This remarkable and large-scale decorative plaque combines exceptional craftsmanship with fascinating social satire, making it an outstanding collector’s piece and conversation item.

Modelled in high relief, the oval plaque depicts a humorous and highly detailed scene of a family of monkeys in luxurious dress and surroundings, seated at a café while examining advertisements relating to emigration to America by sea from Spain. Rich in wit and period social commentary, the composition reflects the playful satirical style popular during the late Austro-Hungarian Art Nouveau era.

Executed in beautifully blended shades of green and brown, the relief displays excellent depth, texture, and expression throughout. The plaque is impressed to the reverse with the factory mark:

“Made in Austria Ernst Wahliss Turn-Wien”

together with the incised model number 181.

Carl Ernst David Wahliss (1837–1900) was one of Austria’s most celebrated ceramicists, operating prestigious porcelain and ceramics manufactories in Turn-Teplitz and Vienna, with retail connections extending to London and Vienna. Following his death, the business was continued by his sons Hans and Erich, who further developed the factory’s artistic reputation in the early 20th century.

Features:

✔ Authentic Ernst Wahliss terracotta relief plaque

✔ Austria, circa 1900–1920

✔ Rare satirical “Monkey Family” scene

✔ Large oval wall plaque format

✔ Beautiful high-relief modelling

✔ Painted in rich green and brown tones

✔ Impressed factory marks to reverse

✔ Incised model number 181

✔ Exceptional Art Nouveau / Viennese decorative piece

✔ Rare collector’s item with strong visual impact

Condition:

Presented in very good antique condition, with slight age-related wear consistent with age and display. The plaque retains excellent decorative presence and sharp moulded detail throughout.

Measurements:

Width: 54 cm

An exceptional acquisition for collectors of Ernst Wahliss ceramics, Austrian Art Nouveau, satirical art, monkeyana, antique terracotta plaques, and rare European decorative art.

A rare and wonderfully eccentric antique Austrian wall plaque — historically fascinating, beautifully executed, and highly collectible.

#ErnstWahliss #AustrianArtNouveau #TerracottaRelief #Monkeyana #AntiquePlaque #ViennaSecession #ArtNouveauDecor #AustrianCeramics #SatiricalArt #AntiqueWallPlaque #DecorativeAntiques #EuropeanArt #RareAntiques #CollectorsPiece #WahlissCeramics

All our items can be purchased directly from the product page via PAYPAL (scroll down for Blue PayPal Button) payment, or by contacting us directly if you would prefer to pay via a bank transfer.

UK POSTAGE:

Our items are professionally and securely packaged; please add £10 for small items, objets d'art (items that can fit into a 20cm x 20cm box), or £20 for anything larger (large vase, boxes, candlesticks, etc.). Paintings are £25 each to ship. If in doubt, please contact us. Thank you.

Rest of the World Postage:

For worldwide clients, please contact us for shipping costs. Our international deliveries are sent via either Parcelforce, FedEx, or UPS.

All items purchased from Lee Sherman Antiques are covered under the Distance Selling Regulations, which give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 7 days after receipt of the item for a full refund, less return transport costs for items received in the condition they were sent.

In the rare event that items or packaging arrive damaged, please take photos on arrival; this will help with any insurance claims.

Please note: Lee Sherman Antiques travels throughout the UK to offer only the finest quality items for sale.

Old-school values with a modern outlook: our emphasis is always on providing a professional, efficient, and personal service to all our clients.

We ship globally (please inquire about shipping costs for any of our items).

All items purchased are usually dispatched within 24–48 hours, following a cleared payment.

Trade enquiries are always welcome.

(TRADE AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS, PLEASE CONTACT FOR TRADE DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES.)

All Items: Porcelain, China, General Antiques, and Collectables:

Please note that all our items are second-hand, vintage, or antique unless stated otherwise. Therefore, all items will have small marks, irregularities, and wear commensurate with age and use. We will always describe obvious damage but not every tiny little imperfection; please see photos for condition; we take many clear, concise shots to allow you a complete overview; and please also note there may be color variation from the screen representation to the actual item.

Please check all photos before buying, ask any questions, or request more photos if you are not sure. We are friendly and helpful and only want you to buy what you want. So please look closely, and if in doubt, contact us or request further photos. We normally respond the same day and always respond within 24 hours or sooner.

Watches/Clocks/Barometers/Mechanical Items: These are not serviced, and no guarantee of performance is offered, although we will point out any obvious issues we are aware of.

We work hard to maintain this level of quality and service.

Please note that any props used to display or support an item are not included in the sale unless clearly stated.

Thank you.