Mid-century modern Ndebele woman sculpture in patinated bronze and brass, in the style of Karl Hagenauer

Mid-century modern Ndebele woman sculpture in patinated bronze and brass, in the style of Karl Hagenauer

Elegant and unmistakably Vienna-inspired, this mid-century figure shows a tall, slender Ndebele woman carrying a brass vase on her head. Her raised arm steadies the vessel, and her body flows in one long S-curve from neck to toe. The dark patinated bronze has a deep, softly glossy finish. Against it, the brass accents glow warmly: a coiled neck collar, a wide leg-ring, hoop earrings and the amphora-shaped vase.

The stylized, elongated forms and the contrast of black and brass are typical of the Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien tradition. Karl Hagenauer's workshop made stylized figures like this in the 1930s to 1950s. This piece is in the style of Hagenauer, not signed by him.

It looks superb on a console, sideboard or pedestal. Seen from the side, the silhouette is just as graceful as from the front. A true statement piece for lovers of mid-century modern sculpture, Vienna modernism and figurative design.

Dimensions
H. 55 cm x W. 9 cm x D. 12 cm
H. 21.7 in x W. 3.5 in x D. 4.7 in

About the Ndebele

The Ndebele are a Nguni-speaking people of southern Africa, living mainly in South Africa (Southern Ndebele) and Zimbabwe (Northern Ndebele, or Matabele). The Southern Ndebele are famed for their geometric, brightly painted house murals and their beadwork. Ndebele women traditionally wear coiled neck, arm and leg rings (idzila), once made of grass and later of brass or copper wire. Given at marriage, the rings marked a woman's status and devotion to her husband, and they were often worn for years. European craftsmen of the 1930s to 1950s were drawn to this strong visual vocabulary. Hagenauer-style figures like this one reflect that fascination.

About Karl Hagenauer

Karl Hagenauer (1898–1956) ran the family firm Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien from 1928. It was known for modernist brass, bronze and wood objects: stylized figures, animals, mirrors and lamps. Original pieces are marked "WHW" and "Hagenauer Wien", and his designs were widely imitated.

The sculpture will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden case. Cost of transport to the US, Euro 295, is case included.

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings. 

Wear consistent with age and use.

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