Ceramics
In every country the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style is applied to ceramics: Teacups, pots, clocks, jars, trays and even lamps were decorated and even transformed into an Art Nouveau object. The one object that surpasses all in quantity (and maybe quality) is the flower-vase: In terra-cotta and in delicate porcelain, in every form you can think of, in warm deep subdued shades and in bright contrary colours.
Amphora
Riessner,Stellmacher und Kessel was the name of a company that created the astonishing art pottery they named “Amphora”. Soon the company as a whole was known by this brand-name. Located in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia(now the CzechRepublic), the firm was founded in 1892 by Eduard Stellmacher, his brothers-in-law Hans and Karl Reissner, and Rudolf Kessel.
They executed works of the highest quality standards and received special recognition at World Fairs and Expositions during their years of production. Riessner, Stellmacher and Kessel (RSt&K) took Gold Medal in Paris, 1900 and the Grand Prize at the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair. Amphora employed very innovative shapes during the Art Nouveau period which reflected a level of detail very seldom seen in porcelain manufacturing.
Edward Stellmacher was especially known for his designs of fantasy creatures and Paul Dachsel, the artist-designer and son-in-law that introduced the Art Nouveau forms in the company, for his Secessionist designs. Dachsel started his own company in 1905 and designed fantastic shapes and decorations of vases that are collected throughout the world. Many pieces in the "AmphoraSchool" are practically impossible to produce today and if they could be replicated the cost would be prohibitive.
