Pair of Art Nouveau Terracotta Water Carriers, Attributed to Bernard Bloch, 40cm

Pair of Art Nouveau Terracotta Water-Carrier Figures

A decorative pair of cold-painted terracotta figures depicting female water carriers in flowing drapery, standing on rocky bases. One carries a pitcher at her left shoulder, while her companion holds a vessel at her right hip. Earthy brown, tan and cream colours emphasise the modelling and folds of the clothing, making the pair an attractive display for a mantelpiece or cabinet.

Maker’s Marks & Attribution

There is an incised ‘Schoop’ signature on the outer edge of both bases, impressed ‘BB’ marks underneath, the numbers ‘7737’ and ‘6’ over ‘215’, and a painted mark reading ‘1103 II.’ 

The pair is attributed to Bernard Bloch & Co., with the design attributed to Theodor Schoop. The date is approximately circa 1900–1910. 

Manufactured at Eichwald in Bohemia, now in the Czech Republic. 

Specifications

• Maker attribution: Bernard Bloch & Co.
• Designer attribution: Theodor Schoop
• Style: Art Nouveau / Jugendstil
• Material: cold-painted terracotta/art pottery
• Finish: matte painted surface in brown, tan and cream tones
• Subject: pair of female water carriers
• Height: approximately 40cm (15¾ inches) each
• Base width: approximately 13cm (5.1 inches) at the widest point
• Combined weight: approximately 2.8kg for the pair

Condition

Good pre-owned display condition, with a small chip along the base rim of the figure with the lizard at her foot. Both figures have minor paint loss, surface wear and rubbing to raised areas.

They sit flat and are stable. 

Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description. The figures pictured are the items you will receive.

What’s Included

One pair of terracotta water-carrier figures, comprising two figures.

Packaging & Shipping

The figures will be carefully packed with protective materials in a sturdy box and sent via tracked, insured postage with a signature required on delivery.