Credited with thousands of works and models for ceramic pieces, Walter Bosse was an intensely prolific designer. The modernist Austrian sculptor and ceramist was best known for his distinctive “Black Golden” series of decorative objects and figurines, particularly his hedgehog ashtrays. Bosse’s mid-century and Art Deco works were popular as gifts for politicians and royalty worldwide, remaining coveted among collectors today.
Bosse was born in Vienna in 1904 to artist parents — his father, Julius, was a portrait painter for the Austrian Imperial Court. Bosse studied at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna from 1918 to 1921 under Austrian sculptor Michael Powolny and Austrian painter Franz Cizek. Later, he continued at the Munich School of Applied Arts in Germany under Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann, a founder of the Vienna Secession movement.
Early in his career, Bosse worked as a designer at several ceramics manufacturers, including Augarten Porcelain Works in 1924, Goldscheider Porcelain Manufactory and Majolica Factory in 1926 and Metzler and Ortloff in 1927. In 1925, Bosse displayed several pieces at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris, which introduced the Art Deco style to a global audience.
In 1931, Bosse opened a shop in Kufstein, Austria, selling ceramic gift items. Owing to the crippling economic effects of the Great Depression, however, Bosse was forced to close his shop in 1937. He returned to Vienna in 1938 and opened another business, Bosse Keramik, where he sold toys, glass, textiles and more. In the late 1940s, Bosse experimented with small-scale brass sculptures and desk accessories coated in black ceramic glaze. With Austrian designer Herta Baller, Bosse formed the Bosse-Baller company to manufacture the “Black Golden” line of figurines, which became wildly popular worldwide.
Despite Bosse’s success, he struggled financially and moved to Iserlohn, Germany, in 1953. Meanwhile, Baller continued to manufacture and sell Bosse’s designs, which were so popular that forgers copied and sold counterfeit editions of Bosse’s works around the world. The 1950s marked the debut of the artist’s whimsically zoomorphic hedgehog ashtrays — these were cast in brass, and a hedgehog ashtray in any other material is not a Bosse original.
Bosse spent the rest of his life embroiled in court battles to protect his designs, leaving him penniless by the time he died. Today authentic Bosse pieces — from wall-mounted sculptures to tableware — continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
Find vintage Walter Bosse serveware, wall decorations and more on 1stDibs.
Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened pretzel holder, ring holder. Designed in the 1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Austria. Excellent original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Wiener Dog Brass Figurine with Lantern Thermometer, Baller, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century desk thermometer, consisting of a nice wiener dog / sausage dog figurine made of brass and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A very humorous design by Wal...
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine with Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cow figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by H...
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a mouse around 1950s Original condition The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting
Brass
Bull Head Figurine by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Bull head figurine by Walter Bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$187Sale Price / item|36% Off
2 Bear Penholder by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s (sold and priced per piece)
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
2 Bear penholder made of blackened brass by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s. Original condition. The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting (sold and priced per piece)
Brass
Beautiful Walter Bosse Austrian Bronze Donkey Mule Napkin Stand 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s - 1960s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece display...
Bronze
lot of three Bronze Elephant Figure by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Lot of three Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Elephant Figurines An elegant early 1950s lot of figurines, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze de...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Shoe Horn, around circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Brass Shoe Horn, around circa 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury Shaker set, displaying a donkey carrying two wooden barrels. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. The don...
Metal, Brass
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Elephant Figurine with Thermometer, Baller Austria, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century shaker set, displaying a donkey. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of metal and wood. In go...
Metal
Cute Bronze Dachshund Dog Figurine, Walter Bosse Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s Bosse figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece displays signatur...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Toothpick Holder Donkey Set, Black Brass Glass, Hertha Baller, 1950
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A toothpick holder set in the form of a donkey designed by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury in 1950s. The donkey is made of patinated and aged blackened brass. The toothpick holders are made of glass. This charming piece is an eyecatcher for every kitchen or dining table. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904–December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines...
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Shoehorn Displaying a Cow, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass shoe horn, displaying a cow. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. In very good condition with nice patina.
Brass
Walter Bosse Cat Ring Holder for Hertha Baller Blackened Aluminium, 1950's
By Walter Bosse
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical rare Walter Bosse cat ring holder circa 1950's nicely patinated, in aluminium with black enameled finish ,original finish some scratches and ...
Metal
$211Sale Price|25% Off
Small Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Small fish figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Two Mid Century brass cats as ring holders by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in München, DE
Two original mid-century modern brass cat ring holders by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller. Beautiful, great design. Made in Austria. Manufactured in the 1950s. Very good condition with...
Brass
Small Playing seal figurine by walter bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small Playing seal figurine by walter bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
1950s by Walter Bosse Austria Design Brass Bronze Monkey Cork Screw
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare cork screw by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Excellent condition.
Brass, Bronze
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Elephant Penholder by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Elephant Penholder by Walter Bosse, Vienna, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying an elephant family. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish...
Brass
$469Sale Price|33% Off
Key Hanger Walter Bosse Showing a Cow, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Key hanger Walter Bosse showing a cow, circa 1950s. Very beautiful original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Elephant Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying five elephants in different sizes. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Brass
Walter Bosse Wall Thermometer, Vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Wall Thermometer, Vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$223Sale Price|26% Off
Two Walter Bosse Candleholders
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Two Walter Bosse candleholders Original condition We not selling the candle she is only decoration.
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine Table Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming sculptural Austrian midcentury desk thermometer, displaying a cow with a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria i...
Brass
$234Sale Price|28% Off
Cow Pen Holder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Rare rooster pen holder by Walter Bosse (the feather is not for sale she is decoration for the picture) Original condition.
Brass
Elephant Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s Midcentury
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big ...
Brass
Elephant Figurine with Thermometer Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1960s Midcentury
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian figurine, designed by Walter Bosse. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Charming, big ...
Brass
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Giraffe Sculpture Figurine, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming mid century giraffe figurine, made of brass. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed in the 1950s by Hertha Baller Austria. In excelle...
Brass
Cat Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Cat Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse Original condition
Brass
$176Sale Price|25% Off
Walter Bosse Scorpio Zodiac Sign Brass Figurine, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Scorpio zodiac sign brass figurine, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a horse by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Shoehorn Shows a Capricorn by Walter Bosse Original condition
Brass
Bottle Opener Capricorn by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle opener capricorn by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'Marked on Bottom'
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Figurine Shows the Neptune Sea God, circa 1950s 'marked on bottom' Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$234Sale Price|37% Off
Cat Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
A very charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse,...
Brass
$258Sale Price|31% Off
Dog Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Dog Figurine holding a thermometer by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
$258Sale Price|31% Off
Walter Bosse Shoehorn, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse Shoehorn, circa 1950s polished and stove enamelled.
Brass
Very Small Elephant Figurine by Walter Bosse, Around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Very small elephant figurine by walter bosse around 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
Shoehorn Shows a Cat by Walter Bosse Around, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Shoehorn Shows a cat by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Small Elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Small elephant by Hertha Baller, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$305Sale Price|45% Off
Walter Bosse Zebra Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse zebra donkey salt and pepper shaker set for Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s. The shakers are included. Original condition.
Brass
$223Sale Price|26% Off
Walter Bosse Dog Pencil Holder
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse dog pencil holder. Original condition.
Brass
Cow Pen Holder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Cow pen holder by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Candleholder, Hertha Baller, Blackened Brass, 1960
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A candleholder in the form of a cow by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller, Austria, Vienna, in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The candleholder is made of blackened and polished brass. It can be used for small ball shaped candles. This piece is an eyecatchers in every room. About Walter Bosse and Hertha Baller: Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904-December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal...
Brass
Cat Figurine with Shovel and Rake by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass figurine blackened with a shovel and rake. Designed in the 1950s by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Austria. Excellent original condition.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Brass Key Hanger Walter Bosse Herta Baller 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage key hanger or coat hooks designed by Walter Bosse and executed by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s. The motif signs the figures of the "Town Musicians of Brem...
Metal
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condion The pencil is not included it is only for the photoshooting
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Mid-Century bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ...
Brass
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Pen holder by walter bosse shows a cat around 1950s The pen is not for sale it is only for the photoshooting Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Small Rooster Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small rooster figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna, around 1950s Original condition.
Brass
$258Sale Price|31% Off
Cow Figurine Holding a Thermometer by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Cow figurine holding a thermometer by Walter Bosse Original condition.
Brass
Petite Schnauzer Dog Figurine by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small aluminum animal trinket dish by Austrian ceramicist and metalworker Walter Bosse. Produced in 1960s Germany, this fun figurine is perfect shelf, desk decor or a ring holder. D...
Aluminum