Large centerpiece Gustav Gurschner ca. 1907

Gustav Gurschner was an important sculptor and bronzer of the Viennese Jugendstil. He was a member of Vienna Secession and the Hagenbund and designed a variety of Secessionist sculptures, candlesticks, vases and lighting fixtures.
This rare centerpiece perfectly embodies Gurschner’eclectic style. With its two handles, the rare, historicizing centerpiece is probably modeled after an antique Greek drinking bowl, a Kylix. As such, it could be seen as a reinterpretation of a mere mundane vessel for refined home decor.
On the other hand, the silver-plated bowl has a certain sublimity, vaguely reminiscent of a sacred offering bowl, which leeds to a Secessionist interpretation of the legendary Holy Grail. On its wall medallions alternate circumferentially with stylized depictions of animals and cross symbols. Pearl bands and a meander-like decoration complement the lush ornamentation. The Nordic spiral patterns so characteristic of Gurschner are also not to be missed here and can be found mainly on the foot of the centerpiece.
Along with two others gilt bronze-vases, this silver vessel was depicted as “Magnificent centerpiece” in the Illustrierte Zeitung of 1908, as an outstanding example for Gurschner’s sculptural objects.