Vilmós Zsolnay
Bottle

DesignerHungarian, 1828–1900
ManufacturerHungarian, established 1862
CultureHungarian
Titles
  • Bottle
Datec. 1890–1900
PlacePecs, Hungary
MediumPorcelain-faience
Dimensions9 1/2 × 7 3/16 × 3 3/16 in. (24.1 × 18.3 × 8.1 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mecom, Jr.
Object number80.182
Non exposé

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Object Type
DescriptionWith its plant forms and organic lines, this bottle typifies the Art Nouveau style. The intense, ruby red glaze—invented by Vilmós Zsolnay—combines with gilding to produce an iridescent effect. This bottle was made at the Zsolnay ceramics factory in Pècs, Hungary. Founded in 1853 by Miklos Zsolnay to produce vases, tiles, plates, and architectural ornaments, the factory later expanded into art pottery in the Art Nouveau style under the direction of Zsolnay's son, Vilmós. In the 1890s, Vilmós invented eosin, the intense red glaze used here.

ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. John W. Mecom, Jr., Houston; given to MFAH, 1981.
Exhibition History"The Twentieth Century: Decorative Arts from the Permanent Collection," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, September 30, 1995 thru February 8, 1996

"Defining Modern: European Design 1890-1935," MFA,H, Andrews Gallery, 8/26/01 - 11/11/01

"Circa 1900: Decorative Arts at the Turn of the Century," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Alice Pratt Brown Gallery, February 26-July 31, 2011.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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