Amphora Pottery

Amphora is the name given to a Greek or Roman jar with a specific shape. However, collectors of art pottery will know this to be a nickname for the Art Nouveau pottery manufactured by Riessner, Stellmacher, and Kessel during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

In 1892, a Viennese pottery designer and merchant by the name of Alfred Stellmacher encouraged his sons and sons-in-law to start their own pottery manufactory. Two of his sons bought 600 porcelain molds and began what would later become the Riessner, Stellmacher, and Kessel Porcelain Manufactory. Two of the more accomplished designers (Eduard Stellmacher and Paul Dachsel) quickly gained a following for their unique niche in art nouveau ceramics. Their work went on to receive serval accolades at the 1893 and 1904 World Fairs, and this recognition served as the foundation for their success.

Amphora pottery is often marked with the word “amphora”, leading the Riessner, Stellmacher, and Kessel manufactory to be nicknamed “The Amphora Porcelain Works”. They employed a few other recognizable marks, such as a red “R.St.K” or simply the initials “RS&K”. The pottery was often signed “Made in Austria”.

The style of Amphora pottery is distinct due to the use of Stellmacher’s “ivory porcelain”, which is pliable, temperature-resistant, and gave the works a lusterless golden finish. Thanks to a myriad of skilled decorators from the Special Ceramics School of Teplitz, the pieces are lauded for their vibrant colors, innovative designs, and unique glazes. 

The golden age of Amphora Pottery lasted from 1892 until 1904, by which time Eduard Stellmacher and Paul Daschel had left the company. However, the pieces that came out of Amphora Porcelain Works are still recognized and celebrated to this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amphora pottery is highly collectible due to its distinct blend of aesthetic appeal and historical significance. Characterized by vibrant glazes, sculpted forms, and meticulous detailing, each piece tells a story of artistic evolution. Created primarily in the Turn-Teplitz region of Austria (now part of the Czech Republic), these ceramics were produced by skilled artisans under the auspices of renowned manufacturers such as Riessner, Stellmacher, and Kessel.

While pottery vases are typically decorative containers with a wide range of shapes and uses, an amphora traditionally features a narrow neck, a pair of handles, and a pointed base. In European Amphora pottery, these traditional elements often merge with artistic motifs, blending functionality with sculptural appeal.

Identifying authentic Amphora pottery can be challenging due to the variety of marks used over the decades. Key identifiers include embossed or incised marks often featuring the word "Amphora," along with factory logos and artist signatures. Collectors should look for marks indicating "Austria" or "Amphora Austria," as well as unique numbering patterns associated with specific series.

Collectors prize Amphora pottery for its elaborate and often fantastical forms. Some of the most sought-after designs feature animal and human figures integrated into Art Nouveau vases, accompanied by stylized Art Nouveau motifs and textured glazes that add depth and dimension. Austrian Amphora pottery pieces, particularly those created before World War I, are especially valued for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.

Amphora pottery’s collectibility lies in its combination of artistic beauty and historical context. Produced in limited quantities and often marked by artist or manufacturer, these pieces embody the creativity of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Due to their meticulous craftsmanship, Amphora vases and sculptures remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Proper care ensures the longevity of your Amphora pieces. Gently dust with a soft cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the glaze or delicate sculptural details. Display in a stable environment away from direct sunlight to preserve color vibrancy.

Amphora pottery is not just aesthetically pleasing but also a valuable investment. As appreciation for European ceramics continues to grow, well-preserved and authentic Amphora pieces remain in high demand. Collectors often seek vases with well-documented provenance and original marks, especially from the pre-1920 period.