Ashtray with theater masks Gustav Gurschner ca. 1902

Gustav Gurschner was one of the most important bronziers of Viennese Jugendstil. He was member of the artists association Wiener Secession and Hagenbund and contributed his distinctive formal language to Viennese arts and crafts around 1900.
This ashtray falls into the category of Gurschner’s small sculptures, including figural sculptures and various bronze vessels. The two-part bowl is decorated with two grimacing heads. With their puffed cheeks and grotesque expressions, they strongly remind of theatrical masks from ancient Greek comedy. Gustav Gurschner’s highly original sculptural design impressively demonstrates his versatility with this bronze work.