Antique Schütz Cilli Wall Plate – Boy Playing Bagpipes in a Tree c. 1877–1890 For Sale

This is more than just a decorative plate — it\'s a rare survivor from one of the most artistically ambitious ceramic factories of 19th-century Europe.Crafted between 1877 and 1890, this wall plate was made by Schütz Cilli, a specialized branch of the Schütz ceramics dynasty. Located in what is now Slovenia, the Cilli factory was known for producing the finest, most detailed work in the company’s history — made with higher-grade clays, richer glazes, and sculptural artistry that rivaled its French and English contemporaries. These pieces were not mass-produced. They were designed for wealthy households and international exhibitions, often sold across Austria-Hungary, Germany, and even the UK.This piece is Model No. 101, part of an extremely limited and now mostly forgotten series depicting whimsical childhood scenes. It shows a boy perched in a tree, playing bagpipes with butterflies floating around him — sculpted in high relief and hand-painted in luminous Victorian tones. These plates weren’t tableware — they were meant to be hung and admired, and they still turn heads 140 years later.Only one other plate from this series is widely documented (Model 102, featuring a boy blowing bubbles). Each was individually numbered and marked by the factory — this one is stamped “Schütz Cilli” and painted with the series number “II 101.”After the Schütz family split their operations in the 1870s, Ludwig Schütz took over the Cilli facility, where he focused on producing more artistically refined and export-oriented pieces.The Cilli branch became synonymous with limited-edition, display-only ceramics, crafted with advanced techniques and deeply influenced by the Art Nouveau and Romantic movements.Plates like this one were likely displayed at trade fairs or ordered by upper-class buyers across Central Europe. Today, they rarely show up outside private collections.This exact model was likely produced before 1891, since it lacks the country-of-origin stamp required for export under the U.S. McKinley Tariff — reinforcing its age and authenticity.ConditionThere is a small chip (photographed), but it does not impact the structural integrity or display quality of the piece. No cracks or repairs. The glaze is rich and well-preserved, and the original hanging holes are intact. For a plate this old and this rare, this condition is remarkably good — and the price reflects the minor flaw.Details:Maker: Schütz Cilli (Ludwig Schütz, post-factory split)Model: II 101Size: Approx. 10.5\" (27 cm)Material: Hand-painted glazed earthenware, sculpted reliefMarkings: Impressed “Schütz Cilli” + painted “II 101.”Intended Use: Wall display (original hanging holes included)Condition: One chip (see photo); no cracks or repairs; excellent color and detail retentionIf you’re looking for a genuinely historic decorative piece — one tied to the highest craftsmanship of its era — this is a rare opportunity. These plates don’t come up often, and when they do, they don’t last.