Antique Alexandra Porcelain Works Ernst Wahliss Art Nouveau Floral Vase, Turn-Austria, c.1905–1910

A beautifully preserved antique Art Nouveau porcelain vase made by Alexandra Porcelain Works Ernst Wahliss in Turn-Austria, likely dating to circa 1905–1910.

Although compact in size, the vase has a refined and highly decorative presence. Its softly rounded body is hand-painted with graceful flowering stems, large pale blue and lilac blossoms and layered green leaves set against a warm ivory-toned ground. The floral design is enhanced with raised gilt outlining, giving the decoration additional depth and allowing the individual petals, leaves and stems to catch the light.

The short flared neck is finished in softly shaded green with small stylised motifs, while the gilded rim and decorative borders bring a subtle richness to the composition. The lower section is framed by a dark green Art Nouveau-style pattern, creating a balanced contrast with the delicate flowers above.

The base bears the crowned red factory mark reading “Alexandra Porcelain Works, Turn-Austria”, together with additional painted factory numbers.

Details

Item: Antique decorative vase
Maker: Alexandra Porcelain Works Ernst Wahliss
Origin: Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia, then within Austria-Hungary
Period: Early 20th century, likely circa 1905–1910
Style: Austrian Art Nouveau / Jugendstil
Material: Porcelain
Factory Mark: Crowned red Alexandra Porcelain Works, Turn-Austria mark to the base
Additional Marks: Painted factory and decorator numbers to the base
Height: Approx. 10.5 cm
Width: Approx. 10 cm
Form: Rounded bulbous body with short flared neck
Decoration: Hand-painted floral design with raised gilt outlining, green accents and gilded borders

Condition

Excellent antique condition with no chips, cracks or restorations. The hand-painted decoration and gilding remain particularly attractive, with only light age-related wear consistent with the vase’s age. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Alexandra Porcelain Works forms part of the important ceramic legacy associated with Ernst Wahliss. Wahliss established a successful ceramics business in Vienna during the 19th century and later acquired a factory in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia, an important centre for decorative ceramics.

Following his death in 1900, the business was continued by his sons Hans and Erich. In 1905, the firm adopted the name Alexandra Porcelain Works Ernst Wahliss. The factory produced decorative porcelain and ceramic wares during a period of strong international interest in Austrian and Bohemian Art Nouveau design.

Known in the German-speaking world as Jugendstil, the Art Nouveau movement embraced natural forms, flowing lines and stylised floral decoration. This vase reflects that aesthetic through its organic silhouette, carefully painted blossoms, muted colour palette and raised gilt detailing.

Its clearly preserved factory mark, elegant proportions and refined floral decoration make it an appealing addition to a collection of antique Austrian porcelain, Art Nouveau ceramics or early 20th-century European decorative art.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.