Antique Art Nouveau Carl Sigmund Luger ceramic box

Overview

This is a beautifully preserved antique ceramic trinket or vanity box, believed to be designed by Carl Sigmund Luber (not "Luger"), a notable German ceramic artist affiliated with the Art Nouveau movement in the early 20th century. Luber worked extensively with companies such as Villeroy & Boch and Schwarzburger Werkstätten and was known for his stylized, folk-themed, and nature-inspired ceramic pieces.

Description

• Category: Art Nouveau Decorative Arts
• Medium: Glazed ceramic, hand-painted in relief
• Dimensions:
  • Top: 6 3/4” L x 4” W x 1 1/16” H
  • Base: 8” L x 4 1/2” W x 2 1/2” H
• Design Motif: Dutch farm scene with boy and girl in traditional attire, with windmill and trees in the background; red ivy leaves on green background around the base
• Distinguishing Markings:
  • Impressed number “8591” on the base
  • Stylized mark that may represent a decorator's or factory symbol
• Condition: Excellent overall, minor wear under lid and some discoloration from age; no visible cracks or chips

Attribution and Authentication

• The style, coloration, and motif are strongly indicative of the work of Carl Sigmund Luber, particularly from his time working with the Schramberg Majolika or possibly early Villeroy & Boch production lines.
• The numeric mold number “8591” is consistent with German and Austrian ceramics of the era, especially those produced between 1900–1910.
• The use of high-relief figural decoration and stylized nature themes is characteristic of the Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) aesthetic.

A professional appraisal could further confirm attribution by comparing mold numbers and glaze techniques with Luber’s cataloged works.

Historical Context

This piece reflects the European Art Nouveau movement’s embrace of pastoral and folkloric themes, especially popular in German and Dutch-influenced ceramics around the turn of the century. The windmill and regional attire reinforce a Northern European cultural setting.

Estimated Value (2025)

• Insurance Replacement Value: $350–$500 USD
• Auction Value: $250–$400 USD
• Private Sale Estimate: $300–$450 USD

The value is influenced by the condition, artist attribution, rarity, and demand for Jugendstil ceramics. Values could increase if a definitive connection to Carl Sigmund Luber or a known ceramic house (like Villeroy & Boch or Schramberg) is verified.

Recommendations

• Preservation: Store in a cool, dry place and handle carefully, especially the lid.
• Authentication: For formal authentication, consult a certified appraiser with experience in Jugendstil ceramics, or a European ceramics specialist.
• Further Research: You may want to contact institutions or auction houses like Skinner, Bonhams, or Dorotheum Vienna for comparison to similar pieces.