Vilmós Zsolnay
Bottle

Public Domain

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Images(2)

Designer Vilmós Zsolnay (Hungarian, 1828–1900)Hungarian, 1828–1900

ManufacturerManufactured by Zsolnay (Hungarian, established 1862)Hungarian, 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

Not on view

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Department

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Object Type

CERAMICS

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.

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