Germany 1900 Ornamental floor vase designed by Hugo Leven with a female figure between gingko leaves. Hugo Leven studied at the School of Applied Arts and then at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. He worked for some time in his father Louis Leven's studio, had numerous contacts with French artists who greatly influenced him, and quickly became famous. Engelbert Kayser hired him as the first employee in his studio. From 1895 to 1904, Leven designed numerous models for Kayserzinn; his works had a lasting influence on Art Nouveau pewter foundries. He also worked for the Kreuter company in Hanau and other companies that produced metal, silver and stoneware, such as Koch and Bergfeld and WMF. From 1904 to 1909 he lived in Bremen. In 1906, Leven's works were on display at the third German Arts and Crafts Exhibition in Dresden; he also took part in world exhibitions, etc. From 1909 to 1933 he taught at the drawing academy of the technical college 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 the Second World War he oversaw the reconstruction of the drawing academy, which resumed operations in 1947. Leven's style is characterized by ornamentally arranged but naturalistically modeled depictions of plants and animals. In 2001/2002 an exhibition about Leven and his work was held in the Hanau Historical Museum in Philippsruhe Castle in Hanau and in the Zons District Museum. Place of origin: Germany Date of manufacture: 1900 Period: 1900s.