Vienna Bronze Indian Man on Elephant Inkpot from Bergman, 1880s

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Stunning bronze item which has function of an inkpot, inkstand, inkwell, indian man is situated on elephant which is climbing … Read more Stunning bronze item which has function of an inkpot, inkstand, inkwell, indian man is situated on elephant which is climbing up some stairs, the elephant's trunk is attached to an inkstand's lid, the animal's head is movable so that the lid can be opened. Particular feature: the pot's outer wall is decorated with a frieze depicting buddha figurines. The details of this bronze are of stunning liveliness (finest manufacturing quality). Signed at edge of inkpot (area below): the character 'b' enclosed into an urn-shaped cartouche (= sign of viennese bergmann manufactory) further signed 'nam greb' which is name 'bergman' in reverse: bergman firm used this signature sometimes. Detailed informations about viennese bergmann manufactory: franz xaver bergman (or franz xaver bergmann / 1861–1936) was the owner of a viennese foundry who produced numerous patinated and cold-painted bronze oriental, erotic and animal figures, the latter often humanized or whimsical, humorous objects d'art. Noted for his detailed and colorful work, and signing either a 'b' in an urn-shaped cartouche or 'nam greb' - 'bergman' in reverse. These marks were used to disguise his identity on erotic works. - his father franz bergmann was a professional chaser from gablonz / bohemia who came to vienna and founded a small bronze factory in 1860. His son franz xaver bergmann (1861 – 1936) inherited the company and opened a new foundry in 1900. Many of the bronzes from the 1900s were still based on designs from his father’s workshop. Wikipedia. Bibliography: ernst hrabalek, vienna bronze (a viennese tradition in artistic perfection, munich 1991) measures: total height: 16.5 cm, 6.49 inches width: 15.0 cm, 5.90 inches total depth: 11.5 cm, 4.52 inches made circa 1880. Condition: very good (there aren't any damages existing / the glass liner of inkstand does not exist anymore). This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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