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Goldscheider ceramics were made in Vienna from 1885 to 1938. The gaily painted female figurines from the 1920s that depict Hollywood actresses like Louise Brooks or exotic dancers like the Budapest-born Dolly Sisters are among the most recognized of the Goldscheider pieces. Shown in dance poses and skimpy costumes, these terra-cotta and faience figures are typical of the Art Deco period.

Friedrich Goldscheider came from the small Bohemian city of Pilsen to Vienna and founded the Goldscheider Manufactory and Majolica Factory. It became one of the most influential ceramic manufactories of terracotta, faience and bronze objects in Austria with subsidiaries in Paris, Leipzig and Florence. For over half a century Goldscheider created masterpieces of historical revivalism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Famous artists like Josef Lorenzl, Stefan Dakon, Ida Meisinger and the two perhaps best known Austrian ceramic artists Michael Powolny and Vally Wieselthier worked for Goldscheider.

More than 9,000 different models were created over a period of three generations. Goldscheider figurines were popular in Europe until World War II. At least 9,000 models were produced in various styles, from the historical revivalism of the late 1800s to Art Nouveau in the late 1890s to Art Deco in the 1920s and ’30s.

Goldscheider Signed Piera Funaro Madonna & Child Figure
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:17:07 PDT
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Goldscheider Cocker Spaniel Dog Figurine
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 13:52:22 PDT
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Antique Goldscheider Fugurine Arabian Man W/Dagger
US $9.95 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 14:08:11 PDT
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RARE VINTAGE Goldscheider APRIL SHOWERS Lady Figurine
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End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 11:09:53 PDT
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Since the very beginning many of these won first prizes and gold medals at innumerable world fairs, exhibitions and trade fairs. Goldscheider figures are nowadays very much sought after by collectors world-wide and reach very high prices at auctions such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Dorotheum and on web sites. While they have neither the charm nor the technical mastery of Meissen porcelain figures from the 18th century, the mass-produced statues were well made: molded, fired and carefully painted freehand in oil paint. Such craftsmanship may explain why today they sell for hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Goldscheider has made porcelains in three places. The family left Vienna in 1938 and started factories in England and in Trenton, New Jersey. The New Jersey factory started in 1940 as Goldscheider-U.S.A. In 1941 it became Goldscheider-Everlast Corporation. From 1947 to 1953 it was Goldcrest Ceramics Corporation. In 1950 the Vienna plant was returned to Mr. Goldscheider and the company continues in business. The Trenton, New Jersey, business, now called Goldscheider of Vienna, imports all of the pieces.