BERTHOLD BOEHS for ROSENTHAL ‘Ionian Dancer’ Art Nouveau sculpture 1913, enamelled porcelain, female figurine K201

...SOLD...

Sculpture of an Ionian dancer by BERTHOLD BOEHS for ROSENTHAL in 1913. 
Quality and precision work in polychrome enamelled porcelain.
Signed ‘ROSENTHAL SELS BAVARIA' under the base, model number ‘K201'.
In perfect condition.

Packing and delivery costs to be expected:
Collection: Free.
For Belgium: 20€.
For France: 25€.
For Europe: 30€.
For the rest of the world: 60€.

Berthold Boehs (1877-1957) was a German sculptor best known for his work with the Rosenthal porcelain factory. He created several figures of nude female dancers in porcelain, including this one, the ‘Ionian Dancer' (Ionische Tänzerin) and the ‘Nubian Dancer' (Nubische Tänzerin), designed around 1914.  
His works, characteristic of the Art Nouveau style, are distinguished by their elegance and graceful movement. Boehs' figurines are prized by collectors around the world and regularly appear at art auctions.

An Ionian dancer is an artistic representation inspired by ancient Greece, and more specifically the region of Ionia in Asia Minor (now Turkey), the cradle of many of the cultural and artistic influences of classical Greece. Ionian dancers are generally associated with idealised female figures, dressed in long, draped dresses called chitons, often depicted in graceful, flowing poses. The light, often finely pleated chiton gives a glimpse of the body, creating an impression of elegance and dynamism. The Ionian dancer often embodies beauty, harmony and grace. She can be seen as an allegory of art, music or poetry, symbolising the refined and sophisticated culture of Ionia in Antiquity.

The Rosenthal porcelain factory, founded in 1879 by Philipp Rosenthal in Selb, Germany, is one of the most prestigious names in European porcelain. From the outset, Rosenthal distinguished itself by its quest for excellence and its openness to modern artistic trends, collaborating with innovative artists and designers.
During the Art Nouveau period (late 19th-early 20th century), Rosenthal adopted the organic shapes, naturalistic motifs and sinuous lines characteristic of this movement. Porcelain figurines became works of art in their own right, often inspired by mythological or naturalistic themes. Artists such as Berthold Boehs contributed to this period with emblematic creations, such as his graceful dancers, which perfectly embodied the Art Nouveau aesthetic. Decorative objects, particularly vases and figurines, reflect exceptional refinement, combining brilliant glazes and hand-painted decorations.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Rosenthal evolved with Art Deco, introducing geometric shapes, stylised motifs and refined designs. The company continued to innovate by collaborating with avant-garde artists, incorporating international influences while maintaining remarkable craftsmanship. Porcelain dinner services, vases and sculptures have become luxurious, modern objects, prized by a discerning clientele.