Majolica Decorative Objects
to
55
576
67
3
20
274
282
70
94
134
15
45
6
15
11
2
36
17
1
5
3
100
76
66
28
22
11
9
6
5
4
1
1
1
1,756
53,321
42,652
25,443
20,280
371
266
599
268
197
59
53
Height
to
Width
to
646
628
637
31
30
26
22
21
Material: Majolica
Beautiful Italian Terracotta Lizard Statue Sculpture Vintage, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding statue of an Lizard made of glazed and hand-painted terracotta. Perfect, lifelike, and life-size representations of this loving creature, faithful, affectionate, and h...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
Italian Whippet Greyhound Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding Italian Greyhound statue in glazed and hand painted terracotta. Perfectly placed on a pedestal stylized as a cushion, lifelike ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
Rare Circular George Jones Majolica Squirrel Nut Dish
By George Jones
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
George Jones Majolica nut dish which features a squirrel sitting on a branch, holding a nut. Surrounded by acorns and oak leaves. Pink ground version. Colouration: green, pink, brown...
Category
1860s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Mid Century Vase by Deruta Italy
By Deruta
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A unique piece by the renowned producer Deruta of Umbria, Italy. This piece is produced in the 1950's and has a greek motif in vibrant pink, white, black and gold. The condition is p...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Surrealistic Artistic Majolica Pitcher Signed by Alabbo Amalki, Italy, 1960s
Located in Valencia, VC
Unique Surrealistic Faience / Majolica Vase-Pitcher with Seahorse Handle by Alabbo Amalki, RC Italy
A very unique and highly decorative faience (majolica) vase-pitcher, showcasing a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Faience, Earthenware, Clay, Ceramic
Mid-Century Vallauris “Sea Shell” Vide-Poche / Catchall, France, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Valencia, VC
Mid-Century Vallauris “Sea Shell” Vide-Poche / Catchall – Red, Brown & Yellow Ceramic
A very beautiful Vallauris “céramique” vide-poche or catchall, sculpted in the form of a sea ho...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica
Majolica Wall Pocket/Planter - Hand Painted with Lemons - Italy - Circa 1990's
Located in Chatham, ON
Large vintage majolica wall pocket/planter - large size - molded ceramic form - featuring hand painted lemons and branches against a midnight blue background - green leaf borders to ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Romantic Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Pair of White Majolica Ceramic Doves, Italy 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The vintage porcelain or ceramic dove figurines feature finely detailed bodies, artfully hand painted with light green accents on bright white majolica glaze, creating a reserved, natural color palette of white and tone-on-tone green.
The birds are realistically sculpted with wide, flowing tails, standing calmly with their heads slightly turned. They are not mirror images of each other; each presents subtle differences in posture, adding visual interest and another layer of complexity to the set. Highly detailed figurines convey a touch of historical elegance and whimsical charm of traditional Italian country style. Each sculpture is marked with ITALY and model numbers on the inner surfaces. While many Italian artists and studios created their version of dove figurine, most of them are stylistically different from this pair; Bitossi and Zaccagnini birds have more streamlined, Modernist silhouettes, and the doves created for Raymor were less detailed and intentionally less realistic, as well as most often marked with distributor name in writing. We're attributing the pair to Mottahedeh, who sourced Italian majolica in similar style; the pieces will be simply marked ITALY and Mottahedeh will add their paper stickers. As the sculptures are quite old, the stickers often get lost or destroyed.
The convenient size and small footprint allows the set to be used in a multiple ways, such as dining room centerpiece, console table accent, shelf or fireplace mantel decoration...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Austrian Majolica Lily Jardinière Greiner & Sohn, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Austrian Majolica Lily Jardinière Julius Greiner & Sohn Bodenbach, circa 1900.
Art Nouveau.
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Large Handled 19th Century French Majolica Flowers Vase
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th Century French Majolica Flowers Vase,
Impressionist period and style.
22 inches Height.
Category
1880s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Rare French Majolica Rabbit Pitcher, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica beige pitcher rabbit with a medal 1900, made for the International Exhibition in Paris of 1900.
The pitcher is stamped by the store where he was sold Compagnie Franco...
Category
Early 1900s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Large oval Majolica Palissy wall platter Vallauris, circa 1950.
Large fishes, lobster, seaweeds, shells.
From Provence.
Measures: Length / 22.5 inches on 9 inches, height / 2.5 inche...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Live Size Italian Dachshund Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
By Marioni
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding statue of an Italian dachshund made of glazed and hand-painted terracotta. Perfect, lifelike, and life-size representations of this loving creature, faithful, affectio...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
Fratelli Fanciullacci Majolica Vase with Floral Decor, Italy Mid Century
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Unusual vase with complex, slightly textured glaze features applied relief in shape of abstract flowers and leaves. Top and bottom parts of the vase are decorated with delicate gree...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
French Majolica Swan Jardiniere, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica white & pink swan jardiniere, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century Large Majolica Swan Vase Choisy Le Roi
Located in Austin, TX
Large rare French Majolica swan vase signed Choisy le Roi, circa 1890.
Height / 23.3 inches.
16 inches by 12 inches.
At the end of 19th century, Choisy le roi was one of the most im...
Category
1890s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience, Majolica
Fanciullacci Majolica Ceramic Dresser Box with Lid Horse Relief Italy 1950s-1960
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage pottery dresser box features a minimal rectangular form with matching lid and Mid Century Modern relief and sgraffito decor. A prancing horse motif is done in brigh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery, Terracotta
Art Nouveau Handmade and Hand Glazed Planter Jardinière, 1930 Belgium
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant Handmade Majolica Hand-glazed
Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1920.
Imperiale Royale, NIMY
Handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant deta...
Category
1920s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Large Majolica Parrots Centerpiece Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Parrots Centerpiece Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
14 inches.
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic
French Majolica White Rose Vase Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica White Rose Vase Circa 1900.
H / 6.5 inches.
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Italian Pug Dog Ceramic Statue Figurine Vintage, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1980s Italian Majolica ceramic dog statue figurine. Nice addition to your room or entry hall. Made of Majolica ceramic, hand painted. ...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
French Art Nouveau Majolica Planter Jardiniere by Hector Guimard Barbotine
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Hector Guimard was a renowned French architect and designer who is best known for his Art Nouveau style. He was born in Lyon in 1867 and later moved to Paris, where he became a promi...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
$1,694 Sale Price
20% Off
Majolica Rooster & Hen Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Charming Majolica vase with a rooster and hen against a trunk signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Reference / A similar example of this piece page 83 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur"...
Category
1890s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Large Majolica Wild Rose Vase Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Wild Rose Vase Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
H / 10.5 inches , L / 11.3 inches , D / 6 inches.
The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and p...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Life-Size Italian Galgo Greyhound Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding Italian Greyhound statue in glazed and hand painted terracotta. Perfectly placed on a pedestal stylized as a cushion, lifelike ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
Majolica Palissy Fish Jardiniere School of Paris, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Palissy footed wood box jardiniere School of Paris.
A large spotted fish on the front of the jardiniere surrounded by leaves and white dai...
Category
1880s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
A rare early 20th-century French majolica "barbotine" crab trinket box
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A French majolica "barbotine" trinket box or catchall from the early 20th century, crafted in the shape of a crab. The lid, representing the crab’s shell, opens to reveal a storage c...
Category
Early 20th Century French Rococo Revival Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Vintage Italian Porcelain Animal Figurine Rooster Ceramic Cockerel Bird Figure
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Art Deco mid Century Italian porcelain 2 roosters on a tree trunk
Material: Porcelain, Ceramic, Tin glazed
Design: In the manner of Cacciapuoti
Origin: Italy, first half 20th century...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain
Art Nouveau Majolica Barbotine Box Jar Pheasant on Basket by Sarreguemines
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A hand-painted majolica lidded jar / box or tureen in the shape of a pheasant hen sitting on a basket, made by Sarreguemines around 1900. This beau...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
$615 Sale Price
20% Off
Majolica Oxen Cart Clement Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Antique Majolica oxen cart jardiniere circa 1900, signed Clement Massier Golfe-Juan.
Reference: Page 111 "Barbotines de la cote d'Azur" of Bottero.
Category
Early 1900s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic
A Stunning French Art Nouveau Majolica Floral Centerpiece by Fives-Lille
By Fives-Lille
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Stunning French Art Nouveau Majolica Floral Centerpiece by Fives-Lille
France, circa 1900s, Gustave de Bruyn & Fils, Fives-Lille
A stu...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$792 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Majolica Chesnut Jardinière Onnaing
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica chesnut handled jardinière signed Onnaing.
This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th century.
Category
1880s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
French Majolica Brown Hen Tureen Caugant
Located in Austin, TX
Rustic French Majolica Brown Hen Tureen circa 1950 signed Caugant.
Category
1950s French Country Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
French Majolica Cat with Mandolin Pitcher with Blue Ribbon, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica cat with mandolin pitcher with blue ribbon, circa 1890.
Category
1890s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Pair of Majolica Morning Glory Vase Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Majolica morning glory vases Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. They produced an incredible whole...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Spanish Green Ceramic Jug Vase, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Andalusian Handled Jar or Vessel in Green Glazed Ceramic. Spain, 1950s
This outstanding jar vase has engraved geometric details thorough creating a beautiful pattern. Si...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
$922 Sale Price
20% Off
Glazed Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter Jardinière, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant handmade hand glazed Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1930s
Wonderful Art Nouveau period/ monumental ceramic planter jardinière, handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant blue ...
Category
1930s French Art Nouveau Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Majolica Renaissance Vase Serpentine Handles Bacchus Italy 19th Century Revival
By Cantagalli, Deruta
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Tall Italian majolica serpentine handles vase with a mythological scene
Depicting The Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne - Annibale Carracci - 1597...
Category
19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Majolica Swan Jardinière Stamped Imperiale Nimy, Belgium, circa 1900
Located in Verviers, BE
Majolica white swan jardinière Nimy, circa 1900.
Stamped: Nimy Faiences imperiale 1789-1951 Belgium.
A real treasure for the ceramics' collector.
...
Category
Early 1900s Belgian Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
English Majolica Turquoise Nautilus Shell Vase on Rockwork Base, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking English majolica nautilus shell vase dating to circa 1880, modeled in vibrant turquoise glaze. The vessel takes the form of a finely ribbed shell with textured surface, it...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Pair of Hugo Lonitz Majolica Satyr Vases
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Hugo Lonitz Majolica vases which feature satyr masks to the side, with grape vine swags. Colouration: cobalt blue, green, cream, are predo...
Category
1880s German Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$1,905 / set
Oval Majolica Palissy Fish Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Oval Majolica Palissy Fish Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
Fishs, lemon,starfish,shells,seaweeds.
From Provence.
Length / 11.5 inches on 7.8 inches,...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Small French Majolica White Swan by Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French glazed ceramic swan sculpture of Majolica barbotine by the celebrated Vallauris pottery firm, Massier, featuring an elegantly modeled swan in white with hand painted ac...
Category
Early 20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware, Majolica, Ceramic
Karlsruhe Majolika Manufactory Sculpture, Dogs, Dachshund, Germany, 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful figure of two dachshund puppies from the well-known Karlsruhe Majolika Manufactory.
Marked on the bottom '5338', the production number.
On the bottom we see the coat of arm...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Art Nouveau Faience Handled Vase with Drip Glaze, Belgium
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking large ceramic vase features the organic, rounded shape with 3 curved, free-flowing decorative handles. It is decorated in characteristic Belgian Art Nouveau style with the u...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery
Jasba Fat Lava Op Art Vase Earthy Colors Western Germany Ceramic
By Jasba
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Jasba N3221120 vase is a part of N series of objects; this series covers a large segment of Jasba’s production. Items within the series come in a wide variety of forms and decors, a...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
$300 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Majolica Vase with Floral and Foliage Motifs
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
19th Century Majolica Vase with Floral and Foliage Motifs
Description:
This is a majolica vase dating from the 19th century, made in glazed ceramic with a rich and earthy brown tone...
Category
19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Unmatching Pair of Rooster Glazed Ceramic Pitchers, Spain, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching pair of glazed ceramic spanish rooster shaped jugs / pitchers, 1970s
One is a ceramic decorative rooster shaped jug in green and white ceramic with brown accents and th...
Category
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Large oval Majolica Palissy wall platter Vallauris, circa 1950.
Large fishes, lobster, seaweeds, tomato, garlic.
From Provence, Mediterranean fishes.
Length / 20 inches on 9 inches, ...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Art Deco Italian Ceramic Animal Figurine Macaw Parrot Porcelain Bird Figure
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Art Deco tall Italian animal Figurine Ceramic Parrot Macaw on a tree trunk
Material: porcelain, ceramic, tin glazed
Design: Cacciapuoti style...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain
Vintage Majolica White Cat with Dragonfly Sculpture, Italy 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful Italian pottery cat figurine features crouching white cat with half-closed eyes, getting ready to pounce on a dragonfly flying over cat's shoulder. Elegantly sculpted ceramic...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
19th Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Faience Vase with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
This impressive antique French barbotine vase is a masterful example of faience artistry, distinguished by its richly applied floral relief and painterly glaze. Standing 27 inches ta...
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience, Majolica
Small Lonitz Majolica Snipe Wall Plaque
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Lonitz Majolica wall plaque which features a snipe. Coloration: Cream, grey, brown, are predominant.
Category
1880s German Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Ginori 19th Century Italian Renaissance Style Big Majolica Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
Big Majolica vase
Ginori
Italy, 1850-1890
Very good codiction
Difetto di cottura sotto la base (vedere fotografia)
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century Large English Leaves & White Flowers Jardiniere
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Large English Leaves & White Flowers Jardiniere.
15.5 by 7.5 inches.
H / 7 inches.
Category
1880s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Exceptional Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Jardiniere Flowerpot Thistle Motif
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A highly decorative and vividly colored Art Nouveau Majolica jardinière or flowerpot, dating from circa 1900. This exuberant barbotine piece features an ornate relief design dominate...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Vintage Petite Italian Majolica Lemons & Oranges Topiary Basket
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely petite Mid Century Italian majolica lemons and oranges topiary. Marked "Italy" on reverse. Brighten up your kitchen or dining room with this beautiful hand painted arrangeme...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Bitossi Aldo Londi Midcentury Vintage Italian Large Ceramic Vase/Pitcher, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Valencia, VC
Rare Bitossi for Ceramiche Paoli Large Vase – Mid-Century Neolithic-Inspired Design
A striking example of Aldo Londi’s masterful work, this large ceramic vase embodies the timeless influence of Neolithic utility pottery, reinterpreted through Bitossi’s signature craftsmanship. Featuring the iconic sgraffito hand decor, inspired by Etruscan ceramics, this piece is part of the Sahara line, distinguished by its earthy, textured aesthetic. Unlike the standard Bitossi Sahara...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware, Majolica, Earthenware, Clay
$801 Sale Price
45% Off
Rare Majolica Jardinière Squash, Grape and Leaves Wilhelm Schiller & Son
Located in Austin, TX
Rare and unique 19th century Majolica jardinière with squash, grape and leaves signed Ws & S (Wilhelm Schiller & Son).
Category
1880s Czech Rustic Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Vintage Majolica Ceramic Winking Cat Kitten Figurine, Italy 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic sculpture features tabby cat or kitten, resting on the pillow with its head slightly lifted and turned to a side. The figurine is decorated with majolica glaze with h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Antique and Vintage Majolica Vases, Bowls, Candleholders and Other Decorative Objects
The popularity of Victorian majolica, the gaily colored, metallic-oxide-glazed earthenware, has ebbed and flowed for more than a century. Right now, antique and vintage vases, bowls and other decorative objects appear to be having a moment — again.
Starting in the 1850s, people in the U.S. and the U.K. embraced these affordable housewares with unusual polychrome palettes (turquoise and pink) and whimsical forms (candlesticks shaped like dolphins). By the 1870s, majolica was being mass-produced for an ever-expanding middle class in countries like England, France, Sweden, Hungary and Portugal. Majolica was Art for Everyman. Its popularity coincided with interest in exotic Japonisme and scientific studies by the likes of Carl Linnaeus, Charles Darwin and John James Audobon.
Despite a similarity in name, Victorian majolica is significantly different in subject matter and form from its Italian forebear, Renaissance maiolica. That earlier earthenware bore gaily painted religious and mythological scenes, and unlike majolica, with its lively contours, was not molded or three dimensional.
What was the attraction of majolica for the 19th-century collector? “Imagine what it looked like in a Victorian interior, with dark woods, heavy drapes and upholstered chairs and sofas,” says Susan Weber, founder of the Bard Graduate Center in New York. “Majolica is robust and extremely tactile. With its naturalistic shapes, colorful glazes and often humorous themes, it appealed to the growing consumer society.”
In England, manufacturers like Minton began to produce decorative, relief-molded majolica tiles for the interiors of taverns, train stations, even the famous Queen’s Dairy at Frogmore, on the grounds of Windsor Castle. In 19th-century France, Sèvres and smaller ceramics firms began to reinterpret the snake-decorated platters made by Bernard Palissy, a 16th-century self-taught French potter. The result was a type of majolica called Palissy ware, which, like the originals, was festooned with odd creatures (lobsters, lizards and snakes) modeled by hand.
The late Moroccan-born, Paris-based decorator Alberto Pinto often placed Palissy ware in his clients’ living rooms, posing individual pieces on brackets against a background of stamped, gilded leather. Pinto, in turn, influenced such contemporary decorators as Harry Heissmann of New York. After 1900, people got swept up in the romanticism of Art Nouveau and ceased buying majolica. The 1970s saw a revival of interest, and in 1982, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in New York, organized “English Majolica,” an exhibition featuring 75 examples from Minton, Wedgwood and George Jones, among other makers.
On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage majolica tea sets, vases, candlesticks, tureens and other furniture and decorative objects.
Read More
How a Craving for Color Revolutionized Glass
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
French Ceramic Frog
Frieze Roman
Gilt Bronze Elephant
Ginger Jars With 2 Lids
Glazed Terracotta Dog
Gold Chicken
Hollow Log
Horse Head Marble Sculpture
Horse Sculpture Spain
Horsehair Brush
Ironwood Sculpture
Italian Canister
Italian Whippets
Japanese Imari Jars
Jere Owl
Large Bronze Elephant
Large Bronze Horse Sculpture
Large Wood Elephant