Majolica Decorative Objects
to
55
573
69
3
20
264
289
72
94
140
14
47
8
18
11
2
38
15
1
4
3
103
72
67
27
24
12
10
7
4
4
1
1
1
1,730
55,173
42,720
25,583
20,289
367
271
595
259
205
51
44
Height
to
Width
to
645
628
637
34
30
24
21
19
Material: Majolica
Art Nouveau Handmade Imperiale Royale, NIMY 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
20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable, rare Art Nouveau majolica vase by the world famous manufactory of Gerbing & Stephan from the early period in Austria around 1910. The beautiful shaped grey blue color...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique French Onnaing Majolica Pumpkin Cachepot Jardiniere Planter, circa 1880
By Onnaing
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique French Onnaing majolica pumpkin cachepot / jardiniere / planter, circa 1880. Maker's mark on reverse. This fine jardiniere is a nice large size decorated with vibr...
Category
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique Blue Art Nouveau Vase Rococo Style 38cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Ceramic vase made of majolica earthenware, elaborately decorated with a typical Art Nouveau design, featuring leaves, stems, and curves inspired by the rocaille or rococo style, circ...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Vintage Animal Figure Figural Group Italian Ceramic XL Roosters Porcelain
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
Small French Majolica Swan Jardiniere Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Small French Majolica Swan Jardiniere Circa 1890.
Height / 4 inches.
Lenght / 5.2 by 2.5 inches.
Category
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic
Majolica Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica sealife platter Vallauris, circa 1950.
High relief of 2 fishs, seaweeds, shells, onion , oyster.
Nautical style.
10 inches diameter
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Vallauris Yellow White Brown Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Mid-Century Vallauris ashtray / bowl in glazed ceramic.
Beautiful fat lava glazed ceramic ashtray in yellow, amber, white and brown colors. Manufactured by Vallauris. France, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, 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
Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves Cache Pots Luneville Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves signed Luneville Cache Pots Circa 1890,
H / 7 inches , D / 9 inches by 7 inches.
Category
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, 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
French Majolica Rooster Tureen Caugant
Located in Austin, TX
French country majolica rooster tureen, circa 1950 signed Caugant.
Category
1950s French Country Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, 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
$1,732 Sale Price
20% Off
Ceramic Hand-Painted Candlestick Candle Holder by DeSimone, Italy
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This vintage figural candlestick by Giovanni Desimone Italy is a unique and eye-catching piece of decorative art. DeSimone was a renowned Italian ceramicist and designer who worked in the mid-20th century, known for his whimsical and colorful ceramic sculptures...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
$134 Sale Price
20% Off
Bitossi Aldo Londi Midcentury Vintage Italian Large Ceramic Vase/Pitcher, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
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, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica, Stoneware
Antique Onnaing Majolica Love Birds Parakeets Jardiniere Cachepot, Circa 1880
By Onnaing
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique French Onnaing majolica barbotine love birds parakeets cachepot / jardiniere / planter, circa 1880. Maker's mark on reverse. This fine jardiniere is a nice large s...
Category
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
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
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
Majolica Stork Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant and rare Majolica stork with a bamboo vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels an...
Category
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
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
French Country Majolica Pheasant Tureen, circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica pheasant tureen from Caugant, circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Country Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Antique Belgian Wasmuel Majolica Barbotine Sunflower Jardiniere Cachepot c. 1880
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique Belgian Wasmuel majolica barbotine sunflower cachepot / jardiniere / planter, circa 1880. Maker's mark on reverse. This fine jardini...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic
Majolica Glazed Ceramic Oranges Pitcher / Jug, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching realistic Majolica oranges jug / pitcher in orange and green glazed ceramic, Spain, 1950s-1960s.
Hand-painted Manises ceramic decorative jug in the shape of a bunch of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, 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
Vallauris Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Oxblood Faience, France, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Valencia, VC
Large Vallauris Hand-Made Faience Ceramic Centerpiece, France, 1950s
An absolutely stunning large ceramic fruit bowl or centerpiece, featuring an intricate sculptural body in rich o...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$851 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Rare Minton Majolica Posy Vase, circa 1875
By Minton
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Minton Majolica Posy small vase modelled as three upright yellow bamboo canes all supported on an earthy ground.
Category
1870s English Victorian Antique 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
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
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
Dramatic Pair of Very Large Portrait Motif Majolica Lidded Vases
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of dramatic large and elegant Italian portrait motif lidded vases in the manner of Orazio Fontana.
Category
20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Rare Majolica Box with Oysters and Snail Choisy Le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica box with oysters and snail signed Hippolyte Boulenger Choisy Le Roi, circa 1880.
Measures: Height / 8", length / 15" on 6.5".
Category
1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, 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
$7,018 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
Majolica Frog with Mandolin Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica frog who playing mandolin signed Delphin Massier circa 1900.
The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings.
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
19th Century English Majolica Gurgling Fish Pitcher Jug
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique English majolica glazed ceramic gurgling fish pitcher or glug jug, circa 1880. Maker's mark on reverse. This whimsical fish pitcher has a stylish design in a lovely ...
Category
1880s British Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
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
French Art Nouveau Vase Majolica Gustave De Bruyn 29cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful French Art Nouveau vase made of polychrome crackle majolica earthenware, decorated with peonies and floral motifs, numbered and marked on the bottom.
Gustave De Bruyn (Leu...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
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
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
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
Large Italian Albisola Blue and White Tin-glazed Majolica Urn/Vase
Located in San Francisco, CA
the impressive vessel with everted lip above an ovoid body flanked by double mask handles all over a splayed foot; painted overall with a female figure and putti in a landscape setti...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Baroque Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century French Majolica Purple Flower Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Purple Flower Delphin Massier.
The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. They produced an incredible whole rang...
Category
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
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
$629 Sale Price
20% Off
French Majolica Flowers and Insects Basket, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Antique French majolica basket with flowers and butterfly, bug, and insect accents, circa 1880. No maker's mark. Some chips.
Category
1880s British Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
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 Neoclassical Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
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 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
Pair Neoclassical French Sarreguemines Majolica Cobalt Blue & Gilt Vases c. 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous pair of antique Neoclassical style French Sarreguemines cobalt blue majolica vases, circa 1900. Maker's mark on reverse. These stylish chic vases are decorated with gold g...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Vase Painted Two-handled Amphora Majolica Renaissance Vessel Italian Ceramic
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
This large luxurious amphora, in majolica handmade in Italy and hand-painted in polychrome, is characterized by a dense presence of naturalistic ornamental motifs that decorate the v...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Majolica Rose Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Spectacular Majolica rose vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. ...
Category
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Royal Worcester Majolica Floral Basket
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Royal Worcester Majolica basket which features pink flowers and green leaves, which are hand painted and overglazed. Green branch molded handl...
Category
1880s British Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
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
19th Century Majolica Wheat Jardiniere With Birds Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th Century Majolica wheat vase jardiniere with birds signed Delphin Massier.
The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. The Massier family p...
Category
1890s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Cheetah Cub Figurine in Majolica Pottery by Ronzan Italy, 1950's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice expressive Ronzan Italian majolica cheetah cub figurine.
Signed to the base in black script: RONZAN MADE IN ITALY 1571/A.
Dating from arou...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Pottery
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
Early Italian Polychrome Majolica Albarello, Late 17th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian Polychrome Majolica Albarello, Late 17th Century.
Category
1690s Italian Baroque Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$2,320 Sale Price
51% Off
Large Polychrome Faience from Imperiale Royale, NIMY and Planter 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Majolica jardinière, planter with stand
This stylish piece is an early example by a renowned maker, showing the main inspirations of Art Nouveau, applying curved, design...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Gio Ponti rare model Le Mie Terre vase manufactured by Richard-Ginori
Located in Skokie, IL
Gio Ponti rare large vase designed in 1929-30. Glazed maiolica. Painted designer's and manufacturer's marks.
This exquisite piece showcases the artistry of glazed maiolica, combinin...
Category
1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
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.
More 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