What is the story behind this old vase?

[GraySky]

This old vase was one of the items among my grandmother's old things.  I don't know anything about it.  A relative told me (they were just guessing)that it may have been a wedding gift to my grandparents when they got married in the 1940's.  So here's what I have been trying to find out:

1.  Is it worth anything at all?
2.  What is the symbolism of the animals and the other decorations on it?  It's not the first thing I would choose as a nice vase to put flowers in, so there must be some kind of story that goes with the animals and the woman's dress shape of the vase.

Anyone have any ideas?

[KC]

Gesch is apparently the German abbreviation for "patent approved."  So must be German made.

Is the word Germany on the bottom?

[GraySky]

There isn't anything on the bottom, just the word and numbers on the back.

[regularjoe2]

Welcome to the forum GraySky ...
Generally speaking , in older german culture .....

Oak symbols tended to represent strength of body , mind & character  .

Rabbits & ducks tended to stand for fertility/sex .

I noticed , near the bottom of the vase , 2 acorns missing (they've dropped off) ... symbolizing two new lives starting .

Perhaps this IS a wedding vase .


What have you come up with , GraySky ?

[cogar]

regularjoe, before I read your post I had decided that was a pheasant and a rabbit that was hanging from a cord attached to the tree, ….. which made me think that was a “hunting vase” of some kind, possibly a “prize”. The Germans are great celebrators of “the hunt” by stringing up or laying out all the game to be admired and to having a “rousing good time” with much drinking and eating, etc. and honoring the best shooter of the party. 

[ayashe]

That was my first guess too; that it was a 'game' or 'hunting' vase... before I read regularjoe2's post!

[regularjoe2]

I'm curoius about the back of your vase , GraySky ..... what do you think those raised patterns are ?
I just can't seem to tell what they are .

When it comes to my part in figuring out what you've got , it's just 'speculation-r-us' so far .

So far - 1. It's German  2. It's a vase

Am waiting to see #3 !

[KC]

regularjoe2 is on the right track with his symbols!

The duck stands for marital fidelity! (Thank goodness it wasn't a goose which stands for stupidity/gullibility)!
The rabbit stands for gentleness (whereas a hare stands for timidity).
The acorns stand for fertility/life.

It almost looks like a branch on the back and many times a tree branch stands for fertility, wealth, health and happiness OR it could be an unblossomed lily that stands for purity, chastity!

[GraySky]

Thanks, everyone!  I hadn't come up with anything.  regularjoe2 and KC, the symbolism you suggested makes sense.  The rabbit and duck appear to bead dead since they are hanging lamely upsidedown.  Do you think there is any symbolism to that or is it just kind of the "popular" hunting duck and rabbit scene so that is what they used?

As for the raised patterns on the back, regularjoe2, I don't know.  They're not as raised as all of the other details.  I had thought that maybe they were just some defective bubbles but now you've got me wondering.  I know nothing about antiques or old stuff so this is such a great forum! I have some other items to ask about that were with the vase, but I haven't taken pictures of them yet.

Here's a closer look at the back: