“Symphonie” by Ferdinand Liebermann

This porcelain inkwell, entitled “Symphonie,” was crafted by Ferdinand Liebermann and produced by the Kunst Abteilung (Art Department) of Rosenthal in Selb, Bavaria.

A youthful faun, depicted with human-like upper body and the hindquarters and legs of a goat, is seated astride the main body of the inkwell. The faun’s posture shows him leaning over, with one ear seemingly inclined towards the top of the inkwell, attentively listening. He holds a garland adorned with gilded berries or grapes, which drapes around his body.

The inkwell itself has a rounded, bowl-like form, white porcelain, with a gilded band encircling its upper section. The lid of the inkwell features two small porcelain birds. One blue and white bird is perched on the top of the lid, serving as a finial. A second, smaller white bird is situated on the side of the lid.

The back of the porcelain base is marked with the signature “Ferdinand Liebermann”. The bottom of the inkwell bears the mark “Rosenthal / Kunst Abteilung / Selb-Bavaria,” identifying the manufacturer as Rosenthal’s artistic division located in Selb, Bavaria.

About Ferdinand Liebermann (1883-1941):

Ferdinand Liebermann was a German sculptor and porcelain designer active primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known for his imaginative and often allegorical or mythological figures crafted in porcelain. His association with Rosenthal’s Kunst Abteilung highlights his significance as a designer for one of Germany’s leading porcelain manufacturers. Liebermann’s style often exhibits a blend of Art Nouveau influences with a playful and whimsical sensibility, evident in the “Symphonie” inkwell’s depiction of the faun and birds.

About Rosenthal:

Rosenthal was and remains a prominent German porcelain manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1879 when Philipp Rosenthal Sr. founded the company. Initially operating as a porcelain painting workshop, Rosenthal rapidly expanded to become one of the most influential and innovative porcelain producers in Germany.

• Selb, Bavaria: Selb became the central location for Rosenthal’s manufacturing operations, benefiting from the region’s abundant kaolin deposits, a key ingredient in porcelain production.
• Kunst Abteilung (Art Department): Recognizing the importance of artistic design, Rosenthal established its “Kunst Abteilung” or Art Department. This division collaborated with renowned artists and designers of the time, including Ferdinand Liebermann, to create high-quality and artistically significant porcelain objects, moving beyond purely functional tableware to produce decorative figurines, vases, and other art pieces.
• Innovation and Design: Rosenthal was known for its forward-thinking approach to design, embracing various artistic movements throughout its history, including Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau), Art Deco, and modernism. The collaboration with artists like Liebermann was crucial in establishing Rosenthal’s reputation for artistic excellence.