Flower-vase Gustav Gurschner ca. 1907

Gustav Gurschner was one of the most important bronziers of the Viennese Jugendstil. He was a member of the artists association Wiener Secession and Hagenbund and contributed his distinctive formal language to Viennese arts and crafts around 1900.
Tapering towards the top, Gurschner decorates this tall bronze vase with three ornamental bands rich in details. Between sculptural beaded rims and decorative stripes, one can discern various Etruscan-like symbols, spirals and loop squares, typical of Gurschner. The upper, richly decorated part of the vase visually stands out from the dark, patinated base, bringing effectively out the natural, warm bronze tone.