Early 20th Century Highland Cattle at Sunset on an Antique Porcelain Pitcher

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This small porcelain pitcher is an antique piece of European art pottery manufactured by the Porzellanfabrik Victoria Schmidt & Co.
… Read more This small porcelain pitcher is an antique piece of European art pottery manufactured by the Porzellanfabrik Victoria Schmidt & Co.
The body of the pitcher presents a panoramic pastoral scene depicting Highland cattle resting and watering near a lake or riverbed under a warm, glowing sunset sky. The upper neck features a vibrant turquoise/teal blended ombré glaze that transitions into the sunset landscape. The piece sits on four elegant ball-style spherical feet heavily gilded in gold. The geometric handle and interior rim are also trimmed in matching gold gilding.
The factory was located in Altrohlau, Bohemia, at one time part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and now Stará Role in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1883, it grew to become one of the premier producers of fine porcelain in the Karlsbad region. This specific red underglaze back stamp featuring a crown between the words "VICTORIA" and "AUSTRIA" was strictly used between 1904 and 1918. After World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, the factory began marking its wares with "Czechoslovakia" instead of "Austria.”
The pitcher is in good antique condition. The base shows normal shelf wear, and the unglazed circular bottoms of the four gold feet show expected discoloration from sitting on surfaces over the past century.
Signature/Maker’s Mark: Underneath (photo #11). See less