Code: DA23146
Dimensions:
A exceptional and stunning early Art Deco Austrian green onyx ashtray mounted with two cold painted bronze kingfishers attributed to Franz Xaver Bergmann (Austrian, 1861-1936) and dating from around 1920.
Franz Bergmann was a renowned maker of detailed and colorful works in bronze which were made at his foundry in Vienna. The foundry was inherited from his father, by the same name, who set up a smaller foundry in 1860 but opened a new larger foundry in 1900. There were around fifty similar workshops producing Vienna bronzes making attribution difficult.
The green onyx ashtray is of polished round shape with a raised rounded rim and with two cigarette/cigar cut-outs. The two kingfishers have been mounted to the edge and are perched on a large piece of wood which fits well around the edge and was obviously made in conjunction with the ashtray which imitates a pool of water. The birds are exceptionally well detailed and very finely cold painted with incredible attention to detail and naturalistic coloring. There are no markings we can see and the base of the dish has an old and original protective material covering attached.
Provenance: acquired through the UK art market.
In good condition with a tiny paint loss to the beak of one kingfisher.
Origin : Austria
Maker : Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Manufacture Date : Circa 1920
Materials : , Onyx
