Posted 4 years ago
artfoot
(367 items)
This vase stands 10” (25.5 cm) tall with a diameter of about 4” (10 cm) at the widest point. The pattern is referred to as “Humpen”. From what I've seen, it can be found on several shapes and most often with a sugary overshot décor that makes them look like melted candy. The décor on this vase, “Moss Agate” (dark red spatter on a swampy green) gives this piece the appearance of a somewhat more bilious secretion.
These “Humpen” pieces are attributed to Kralik and I'll stick with that unless other information surfaces. My impression is they are earlier pieces (pre-dating 1920) maybe?
New information has indeed surfaced. The "Moss Agate" décor and, by extension, the "Humpen" shapes have been solidly linked to the Franz Welz Company.
Terrific example of moss agate! I had to laugh at your 'bilious secretion' comment - I have to agree it is a great description! ;)
Would love one of these, I have a couple of those ‘sugary coated ones’..:-)
This is a super example of this unique form!
I have two of these, one ruby overshot & the other green iridescent crackle.
The Moss Agate decor is fabulous...& really ramps up the weirdness factor, too!
Humpen is such a cool name for this cool shape.
Your descriptions are always a delight, Harry!
Thanks Karen. "Humpen" is a name given by collectors. It is a German word that works conveniently for English speakers but actually translates as beaker or vessel. Humps, hobnails, and overshot frit were all devices applied to vessels to make them less slippery to handle. The German word for hump is "Höcker", a less pleasant appellation.