Sun vase by Hugo Leven, Germany 1900

An ornamental sun vase designed by Hugo Leven, featuring a female figure among ginkgo leaves. The vase is made of silver-plated tin. Hugo Leven studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule and then at the Academy of Art in Düsseldorf. He worked in his father Louis Leven's workshop, had numerous contacts with French artists who greatly influenced him, and quickly gained recognition. Engelbert Kayser hired him as the first employee in his workshop. From 1895 to 1904, Leven designed many models for Kayserzinn; his works had a lasting impact on the Art Nouveau tin foundry. He also worked for the Kreuter company in Hanau and other firms producing metal, silver, and pottery, such as B. Koch & Bergfeld and WMF. From 1904 to 1909, he lived in Bremen. In 1906, Leven's works were exhibited at the third German arts and crafts exhibition in Dresden; he also participated in world exhibitions, etc. From 1909 to 1933, he taught at the Academy of Drawing of the Technical School for the Precious Metal Industry in Hanau, of which he became director. His students included Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Christian Dell, and Herbert Zeitner. In 1933, he lost his job. After World War II, he led the reconstruction of the Academy of Drawing, which resumed its activities in 1947. Leven's style is characterised by ornamental yet naturalistic representations of plants and animals. In 2001/2002, an exhibition was organised on Leven and his work at the Hanau History Museum in Philippsruhe Castle in Hanau and at the Zons District Museum.