Presented is a superb quality Mettlach etched stoneware Art Nouveau vase, #1749. This piece dates to circa 1895-1905. The vase is done in varying shades of green, brown, and buff, with colorful vignettes of young women in traditional German garb with flowers, very much in the flowing, organic Art Nouveau style of the time to which it dates. Outside the vignettes are further decorations in the form of stylized bellflowers, chains, rosettes, and foliage, all in a very neat and eye-catching layout. The interior of the vase is a pretty peach shade, for a nice contrast with the bolder colors of the exterior. Quite a large and impressive Mettlach piece.
The vase is signed with the Villeroy Boch Mettlach mark on the underside as well as other incised marks, including the identifying number of the piece, 1749.
This piece is in good overall condition. The vase has been broken and professionally restored at the narrow point/waist above the foot, but this was very well done and is quite sturdy now. The vase is still water tight, so it could be used for flowers. There are no other breaks or repairs.
The vase stands about 13 inches tall and measures about 6 inches in diameter at the mouth, 4 3/4 inches in diameter at the foot. -jm
