What defines Art Nouveau metalware from the early 1900s?

Art Nouveau metalware is defined by organic forms, sinuous lines, stylised floral motifs, and asymmetrical silhouettes popular across Europe from around 1890 to 1910.

What materials were commonly used in Art Nouveau ewers?

Ewers from this period frequently combined sheet copper for the body with cast brass or pewter handles, lids, and mounts to create contrasting tones and textures.

How can one identify authentic WMF Art Nouveau metalwork?

Authentic WMF metalware often features distinct stamped manufacturer marks, such as the ostrich emblem or letter acronyms, alongside characteristic relief-moulded foliage and whiplash contours.

How can an Art Nouveau copper ewer be styled in a modern interior?

Positioning a copper ewer on a dark wooden sideboard, mantelpiece, or open bookshelf creates a warm focal point, complementing both traditional decor and minimalist contemporary settings.

How should antique copper and brass metalware be preserved?

Clean gently using a soft, lint-free cloth and mild soapy water, avoiding abrasive polishes that strip natural age-related patina or damage delicate relief details.

for sale €345 $375

£295

Oliver Sargent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2013

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Wmf Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, C.1900

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Oliver Sargent Antiques

Description

WMF Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, c.1900

A particularly elegant WMF Art Nouveau copper and brass ewer or jug, dating to circa 1900, featuring a highly attractive and relatively rare floral Art Nouveau design in raised relief.

Standing approximately 33 cm (13 inches) tall, this impressive antique WMF ewer has the flowing, organic lines and stylised botanical decoration characteristic of the Art Nouveau period, making it an excellent example of late 19th / early 20th-century European decorative metalwork.

The body is beautifully decorated with floral and botanical motifs in relief, giving the surface considerable depth and visual interest. The combination of copper and brass, together with the sculptural floral decoration, creates a particularly attractive decorative effect.

The ewer remains in original antique condition and shows signs of age and previous use, including surface marks, light wear and some slight dents to the body and foot rim, as shown in the photographs. These imperfections are consistent with its age and history and do not detract from the overall elegance, proportions or decorative appeal of this fine WMF piece.

The underside is fully marked with the WMF trade mark, together with the number 105, which is believed to be the pattern or model reference. The WMF mark provides important attribution to Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF), one of the most highly regarded German manufacturers of Art Nouveau and Jugendstil decorative metalware.

A superb opportunity to acquire an original circa 1900 WMF Art Nouveau ewer, particularly appealing to collectors of WMF antiques, Art Nouveau metalware, Jugendstil, antique copper and brass, decorative arts and European silver-plated or mixed-metal wares.

Key details:

• Maker: WMF – Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

• Period: Circa 1900

• Style: Art Nouveau / Jugendstil

• Type: Ewer / Jug / Decorative Water Jug

• Material: Copper and brass

• Decoration: Rare floral design in raised relief

• Height: Approx. 33 cm / 13 inches

• Markings: WMF trade mark and No. 105 to base

• Condition: Original antique condition with age-related wear, marks and slight dents

• Price: £295.00

• UK shipping included

A very elegant and decorative example of WMF Art Nouveau metalwork by a top-quality and highly collectible maker.

£295.00 – including shipping within the UK.

You can find more items of interest and purchase through our website, using all major credit cards:

please visit: www.oliversargentantiques.com

Physical Dimensions

Height

33cm (12.99")

Declaration

Oliver Sargent Antiques has dated this Art Nouveau Copper Ewer to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233631

Dealers Internal Reference

OSA1596

Description

WMF Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, c.1900

“

A particularly elegant WMF Art Nouveau copper and brass ewer or jug, dating to circa 1900, featuring a highly attractive and relatively rare floral Art Nouveau design in raised relief.

Oliver Sargent Antiques

fig 1. An Art Nouveau tapered copper ewer with a raised floral relief pattern, angular brass handle, hinged brass cap, and subtle dark circular motifs near the base. — fig 1. Wmf Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, C.1900

Standing approximately 33 cm (13 inches) tall, this impressive antique WMF ewer has the flowing, organic lines and stylised botanical decoration characteristic of the Art Nouveau period, making it an excellent example of late 19th / early 20th-century European decorative metalwork.

fig 2. An Art Nouveau tapered copper ewer with a raised floral relief pattern, angular brass handle, hinged brass cap, and subtle dark circular motifs near the base. — fig 2. Wmf Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, C.1900

The body is beautifully decorated with floral and botanical motifs in relief, giving the surface considerable depth and visual interest. The combination of copper and brass, together with the sculptural floral decoration, creates a particularly attractive decorative effect.

fig 3. An Art Nouveau tapered copper ewer with a raised floral relief pattern, angular brass handle, hinged brass cap, and subtle dark circular motifs near the base. — fig 3. Wmf Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, C.1900

The ewer remains in original antique condition and shows signs of age and previous use, including surface marks, light wear and some slight dents to the body and foot rim, as shown in the photographs. These imperfections are consistent with its age and history and do not detract from the overall elegance, proportions or decorative appeal of this fine WMF piece.

fig 4. An Art Nouveau tapered copper ewer with a raised floral relief pattern, angular brass handle, hinged brass cap, and subtle dark circular motifs near the base. — fig 4. Wmf Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, C.1900

The underside is fully marked with the WMF trade mark, together with the number 105, which is believed to be the pattern or model reference. The WMF mark provides important attribution to Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF), one of the most highly regarded German manufacturers of Art Nouveau and Jugendstil decorative metalware.

fig 5. An Art Nouveau tapered copper ewer with a raised floral relief pattern, angular brass handle, hinged brass cap, and subtle dark circular motifs near the base. — fig 5. Wmf Art Nouveau Copper & Brass Ewer / Jug – Rare Floral Relief Design, C.1900

A superb opportunity to acquire an original circa 1900 WMF Art Nouveau ewer, particularly appealing to collectors of WMF antiques, Art Nouveau metalware, Jugendstil, antique copper and brass, decorative arts and European silver-plated or mixed-metal wares.