Pair of Art Nouveau Leafy “Beetle” Vases by Bernhard Bloch

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On offer is a pair of Art Nouveau "beetle" vases that represent a prime example of late 19th to early … Read more On offer is a pair of Art Nouveau "beetle" vases that represent a prime example of late 19th to early 20th-century Bohemian ceramic artistry. Capturing Art Nouveau’s fascination with nature, they mimic organic flora, with the upper sections shaped like deeply veined, curling leaves forming the rim. The bases feature sculptural stag beetles in the process of ‘climbing’ up the pottery.
Coated in a classic majolica matte glaze, the earthy forest greens and muted sage with subtle pale highlights emphasize the depths of the raw organic form. The glaze features an intentional fine crackle finish typical of antique pottery.
Underneath, the impressed "BB" mark on the base stands for Bernhard Bloch, a highly renowned ceramicist who established his factory in Eichwald, Bohemia (historically part of Austria-Hungary, now Dubí in the Czech Republic). The number 3772 is the specific model/shape number assigned by the Bloch factory during production. The small, stamped square and circle symbols next to it are internal factory craftsman or inspector marks.
While Bloch made many figural vases—often featuring nymphs or flora—the large scale (at 21.5 inches tall) combined with the distinct insect motif makes this particular pair highly unique and collectible. Finding an intact, matching pair with their original French retail stickers underscores significant historical provenance.
Signature/Maker’s mark: stamped “BB” (photos #10-11). See less