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
Not on view

Explore Further

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.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Vase
Joseph-Théodore Deck
c. 1880
Earthenware with glaze
2009.520
William B. Kerr & Co., Newark, N.J.
c. 1905
Silver, enamel
96.1377
Vase
Holland Faience and Tile Factory
1893–1906
Earthenware
99.50
Pair of Covered Jars
Adolf Heyden
c. 1890
Glass and enamel
74.222.1,.2
Untitled
Robert Engels
late 19th century
Lithograph on wove paper
75.431
face of tile
J. & W. Wade & Co., Flaxman Tile Works
c. 1900
Ceramic
2013.351
King George V
c. 1911
Watercolor on ivory, gilt, and glass
2005.1607
Vase
Émile Gallé
c. 1895–1905
Glass
73.140
Clock
Friedrich Goldscheider
c. 1900
Plaster, copper, and paint
80.161.A,.B
Composition
Vilmos Huszar
1921
Oil on wood
75.20
Bust of Madame du Barry
Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory
c. 1771–1773
Soft-paste porcelain
2004.819
Plate
Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory
1784
Soft-paste porcelain
2008.349