Vase Amphora “Allegory of Gemany” ca. 1899

A specialty among the portrait-vases from the house of Amphora are the allegories of great European nations. They represent the powerful monarchies of Russia, Austria-Hungary, France and Germany. Nikolaus Kannhäuser has designed the series showing similar motifs on differently shaped ceramic vessels. In this particular vase, we see the personification of the German Empire. Germania is depicted in profile, with a clearly recognizable eagle, the heraldic animal of Germany, adorning her helmet. Her ceremonial armor is richly decorated and extends up to the lady’s gilded neck rings. Her finely drawn face, the landscape in the backdrop and all the lavish ornamentation, offered the porcelain painters, enamellers and gilders from the house of Amphora an ample opportunity to display all their virtuosity and technical finesse. Thus, this Allegory of Germany completely in tune with the contemporary taste of European Art Nouveau is a true feast for the eyes. At the same time, this portrait vase impresses with its high-quality ceramic craftsmanship.