Biscuit box

Theo H. Schmuz-Baudiss, Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur Berlin, Germany, 1903–4

Porcelain, sprayed underglaze decoration.

Diameter: 17.2 cm

Markings: Sceptre factory mark in cobalt, printed monogram of the artist STB, engraved 14 632 M 15, stamp F; inside, a factory sticker with the price 50.00; imprinted in the decoration on the lid STB

UMP 9596 (box), UMP 10193 (cover)

A low circular box with three handles in the form of flat ribs; flat cover. Low relief decoration sprayed with coloured glaze of a goldfinch on a rowanberry branch.

The distinctiveness and originality of Schmuz-Baudiss’s work lies in his use of a unique decoration technique: the decor is first lightly engraved into the surface of the object, then paint is sprayed on and gently scraped and rubbed into the desired appearance before finally covering the surface with transparent glaze. The artist himself called this technique “engraving on porcelain”.

l underglaze decoration