Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel (Amphora), Turn Teplitz
Large Art Nouveau ewer with applied flower decoration and leaf form rim, model no. 3856

Circa 1890s
Glazed and gilt porcelain
Impressed crown mark, 'AMPHORA' and 'AUSTRIA' in ovals
31.7cm high

Preview: Barley Mow Centre

Literature
Monsters & Maidens Amphora Pottery of the Art Nouveau Era, by Byron Vreeland, Fledermaud Press California, page 110 for similar example illustrated

History of Amphora Pottery
Alfred Stellmacher (born 1837 in Thuringia) worked at various ceramics factories on creating porcelain flowers, then set up his own Alfred Stellmacher Company in Turn in 1876. He garnered acclaim for his experiements in porcelain, one of which was a soft yellowish shade with matte finish known as 'ivory porcelain'. Early decorative styles were oriental and neo-baroque, with those of the late 1880s being more innovative in form and included vessels with handles shaped like monsters. He received the Gold Medal in 1889 at the Paris World Exhibition.
In 1892, the Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel known as 'Amphora I' porcelain factory was established in Turn (involving Alfred's son Eduard Stellmacher and his workshop head Hans Riessner). With movement of staff to this new company and other difficulties, Alfred Stellmacher sold his original company to Ernst Wahliss and provided designs and teaching for Amphora. After around 1895, Amphora dropped production of the neo-baroque vases and consistently moved toward modern Art Nouveau. During the 1890s, Paul Dachsel (Alfred's son-in-law) made a significant contribution to designing remarkable vases for the Amphora company.
Amphora was very successful, winning the gold medal at the San Francisco Exhibition in 1893, and conquered the large US market. By 1894 the company was expanding and began producing wares in earthenware and then faience, as well as porcelain. By 1900, Amphora was at the pinnacle of its success, exporting around the world, winning multiple awards and with with huge creative artistic development.
In 1904, Eduard Stellmacher left to form his own company, then a year later Rudolf Kessel fled to the US after claims of fraud, Karl Riessner died, and left Hans Riessner the sole owner of the company. His new company was registered in 1910 as Amphora-Werke Riessner.