Walter Bosse Fish Bottle Stopper

A delightful fish bottle stopper designed by Walter Bosse, and produced by Herta Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. 

Cast in brass with Bosse’s signature black patina and polished highlights, the stylised fish transforms a functional object into a small work of sculpture. The fish rides a curled wave, and features a polished-brass face with smiling expression. The design is perfectly rendered to express a jubilant character through minimal form. 

This piece belongs to Bosse’s celebrated 'black-golden' series of brass animals, a body of work that has become synonymous with Mid-20th Century Viennese design. Intended to bring joy to modern homes, Bosse’s creations are whimsical & well-considered in their design. Pieces like this were popular souvenirs for visitors to Austria in the 1950s, and are now increasingly sought-after by collectors of Modernist design.