Description

Czechoslovakian Figural Ceramics Grouping – Erphila Dutch Girl Pitcher and Pipe Holder

This two-piece grouping brings together a pair of early 20th-century figural ceramics produced in Czechoslovakia, each reflecting the whimsical, hand-modeled style popular during the Art Deco period. While visually complementary in scale and palette, the pieces are distinct in purpose, marking, and attribution. Together, they illustrate the variety of figural giftware exported from Central Europe to the American market during the interwar years.

The first piece is a figural creamer commonly known as the “Dutch Girl” or “Girl with Flowers” pitcher. Measuring approximately 6 inches tall, it is hand-painted in warm orange and white tones, with blue and yellow floral accents. The underside is clearly marked Erphila – Czechoslovakia, identifying it as an import by Ebeling & Reuss of Philadelphia. This trade name is strongly associated with figural ceramics produced by the Ditmar-Urbach factory, and the use of the “Czechoslovakia” country mark places its manufacture most convincingly in the 1920s to early 1930s. The expressive facial features, soft color transitions, and folk-inspired costume are characteristic of Erphila figural creamers from this period.

The second piece is a ceramic figural pipe rest or ashtray, often described as a “Fat Man” or “Bald Man” pipe holder. Measuring approximately 4½ x 4½ inches, the figure is modeled seated, with a large central opening designed to support a smoking pipe and catch ash. The glaze is hand-applied, depicting a mustached man with a rounded belly wearing a light green top or overalls. Unlike the pitcher, this piece is not marked Erphila. The base is stamped “Made in Czechoslovakia” along with the number “23,” likely a mold or pattern number rather than an importer’s mark.

Historically, both pieces reflect the broader export tradition of Czechoslovakian ceramics during the early to mid-20th century, when figural household objects were produced in large quantities for international markets. While the Dutch Girl pitcher can be confidently attributed to Erphila-imported Ditmar-Urbach production, the pipe holder should be described more generally as Czechoslovakian Art Deco figural pottery. Presented together, the two pieces offer a well-balanced and historically accurate representation of the era’s decorative ceramics, without overstating shared attribution where markings do not support it.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Measurement

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required.

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