Antique Clement Massier French Art Nouveau Majolica Griffin Jardiniere Stand

A magnificent antique, circa 1880, Italian Renaissance Revival style jardinière with warm, rustic beautifully aged patina! (plant stand - indoor planter - conservatory or solarium garden box - flower display) Born in Italy in the late 19th century, most likely originating in the Veneto region of Northern Italy (Venetian), exquisitely hand-crafted in medieval Italian Renaissance style / Henry II taste, having a removable metal interior liner with handles, resting in the well-made rectangular case with stepped molded edge, over paneled frieze adorned in intricate hand carved plaquette and foliate scrolled rinceaux relief ornamentation, rising on urn-form turned column supports, atop large platform shelf base with conforming stepped molded edge further raised on bun feet with primitive inset casters. Dimensions: (approx) 22" High, 40" Wide, 17.5" Deep A wonderful example of functional art. In good original antique condition, it's srong, sturdy and structurally sound with rich patina over the whole. Substantial wear consistent with age and indicative of use. Nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated character, European old world charm, elegant warmth and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over long periods of time. Presents well, retaining original antique character marks throughout. Distressed, worn, faded finish, with evidence of old water damages, age related splitting in the form of crack to one decorative panel, and scattered minor losses. Partial seized casters. Heavily oxidized patinated metal basin...

Simple clean lines but deeply complex design, brilliantly poetic if you see it, uninteresting and repetitious if you can't. Inspired by the sinuous curves of flowing flowers and contrasting geometric lines from turn of the century architecture, sculptural, asymmetrical, expressive, eloquent, stylized fanciful scrollwork, it's rustically sophisticated, brutally stylish, whimsical and elegantly aged to patina perfection. The simplistic yet majestic sculpted stand (freestanding screen...

Art Nouveau Vallauris Majolica jardinière on stand, planter by Jerome Massier, circa 1900.

19th Century Majolica Chesnut attributed to Jardinière Saint Clement.