5.5" H x 3.5" W x 2.5" D

A very fine early 20th century cold painted and gilt patinated 'naughty' Orientalist bronze in the form of Buddha. The finely sculpted and cold painted figure of Buddha shown seated in a contemplative pose atop a lotus shaped base, opening to reveal the finely modelled, gilded and cold painted nude figure of a young woman adorned with a headdress, necklace and anklets. The reverse of the case signed Nam Greb, together with the impressed letter B within an urn shaped cartouche for Franz Bergman Foundry. Franz Xavier Bergman (1861-1936) signed several of his erotic works with the pseudonym 'Nam Greb', 'N. Greb' or sometimes merely with the letter B inside an urn shaped cartouche - this in an attempt to appear anonymous so as to avoid possible civil condemnation or penalties for lewdness or immorality. From the Jack Reingold Collection. In very good overall condition. Very minor rubbing to the gilt surface consistent with age and use. Franz Bergman Foundry. Signed: "Nam Greb". Bronze. Viennese. Art Nouveau, c1900. 5.5" H x 3.5" W x 2.5" D. CODE-BRO