Art Nouveau Floral Relief Vase in Cast Zinc, Attributed to Kayserzinn, C. 1900s

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Art Nouveau Floral Relief Vase in Cast Zinc, Attributed to Kayserzinn, Circa 1890

A richly detailed and sculptural Art Nouveau … Read more Art Nouveau Floral Relief Vase in Cast Zinc, Attributed to Kayserzinn, Circa 1890

A richly detailed and sculptural Art Nouveau vase in cast zinc, attributed to the celebrated German firm Kayserzinn (J.P. Kayser & Sohn AG), circa 1890–1900. This dramatic example is modeled in high relief with naturalistic floral and botanical motifs, embodying the essence of Jugendstil design with its fluid, organic forms and expressive asymmetry.

The body flares trumpet-like from a deeply textured base resembling a hollow tree trunk, flanked by climbing vines that arc upward to form stylized handles. Bold five-petaled blooms—likely inspired by hibiscus or wild mallow—emerge from the surface in full relief, accompanied by scrolling stems and veined leaves that wrap the vessel in a continuous natural rhythm. The form is both architectural and floral, capturing the movement and sensuality that defined the Art Nouveau aesthetic.

Crafted in patinated zinc alloy, a favored medium of Kayserzinn for its ability to convey subtle surface detail, the vase retains its original removable brass insert, allowing it to function as a watertight flower vessel while preserving the integrity of the cast body. While unsigned, the design and execution are consistent with Kayserzinn’s early catalogues, and it may correspond to an unmarked or limited production model.

Dimensions:
14.75” high × 8” wide × 8” deep
Base: 5.5” diameter
Insert: 2.75” high × 4” diameter

A superb example of Continental Art Nouveau metalwork, rare in this scale and condition. Suitable for collectors of Jugendstil, decorative metalwork, or early 20th-century floral design. See less