Majolica Decorative Objects
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Material: Majolica
Majolica Fox Head Wall Pocket
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Majolica wall pocket which features a model of a fox head stirrup cup, sitting on a shaped ground, with flowers either side. Colouration: yellow, brown, green, are predominant.
Category
1880s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Majolica Plate Centerpiece Ceramic Wall Dish Hand-Painted Dolphins Deruta Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Majolica dish hand made and hand-painted in Deruta, Italy, according to the original Renaissance painting technique. The dish is enriched by the presence of four metamorphic dolphin-...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Modern Vase, Matte Finish Warm White, Spheres 24kt Gold Luster, Handmade Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Elegant warm white vase with a matte finishing, alternating with reflective surfaces embellished with 24Kt gold luster. This technique sees ceramics to undergo three cooking phases: ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate
Vase Potiche Jar Lid Decorated Ornament Decorative Majolica Total White Vessel
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
This splendid potiche vase is handmade and hand-painted in Italy, following the original Renaissance painting technique, unchanged over time, which we obs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique Swiss Arts & Crafts Brown Green Blue Thoune Majolica Note/Match Holder
By Thoune
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Arts & Crafts Majolica art pottery rare note/match holder, made by the Swiss factory Thun / Thoune, circa 1910s. This note/match holder, entirely handcrafted and hand-painted, is decorated with a modern Eastern accent...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Arts and Crafts Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware, Majolica
Large Italian Majolica Tang Horse
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
An extraordinary Italian Tang-style horse, arguably the most striking example I’ve had the pleasure to own. Monumental in scale and presence, it’s finished in a richly colored majoli...
Category
1950s Italian Tang Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware, Majolica
1870s St. Clement French Faience Majolica Pair of White Pink Flower Vases
Located in New York, NY
A charming pair of handcrafted flower vases, late 19th century fine French majolica, characterized by an unusual conical shape with waist, hand enameled with a gold band, decorated w...
Category
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Wilhelm Süß for Karlsruher Majolika Art Nouveau Blue Flower Basket Bowl c. 1910
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Wonderful Art Nouveau large ceramic handled bowl or basket by German artist/designer Wilhelm Süß for Karlsruhe Majolika (Majolica) circa 1910. He was one of their top designers at th...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Royal Worcester Majolica Putti in Gondola Dish
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Royal Worcester Majolica figural dish which features a putto seated on a gondola boat, with an eagle figurehead. Colouration: turquoise, white, brown, are...
Category
1880s English Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
French 19th Century Majolica Asparagus Tray with Cradle and Wicker Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Majolica asparagus tray from the 19th century, with large cradle and wicker motifs. Created in France during the 19th century, this Majolica tray features large cradle with ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Rare Minton Majolica Chinese Drummers Vase
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica vase which features a large drum with Chinese drummers stood either side. The drum has dragons on both faces. Intricate cut-out rim and base. Colouration: light brown...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Pair Thomas Sergent Palissy Majolica Mythological Vases
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Thomas Sergent Majolica vases with a mythological theme which feature a river scene around the sides, with putti, dolphins, reeds and s...
Category
1870s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
1970s Italian Multicolored Glazed Ceramic Shell Centerpiece with Coral and Crabs
By Falco Marino
Located in Firenze, IT
There is all the Italian artisan mastery in this exceptional Mid-Century Modern open worked large Majolica ornament centerpiece in the form of a long shell enriched with crab, seahorse and red coral perfectly shaped inside it. Looking at this sculpture you will feel the sound of the ocean.
Every part of this colorful and powerful handmade marine themed composition is incredibly realistic and well made. The open shell depicted in a palette made of browns, pink, yellow and green contains a big red coral...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Minton Majolica Hogarth Boy Figure
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica figure which features a Hogarth boy, sat on a rock, holding a shell. Coloration: turquoise, green, brown, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks for the Minto...
Category
1870s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Authentic Talavera Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant white and blue vessel made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.
One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar learned his art in the workshop of the Uriarte family, an excellent workshop where his grandfather worked. In his creations he uses the black and white mud that is obtained from the nearby hills of Loreto and Guadalupe, and colors of mineral origin that he creates in his workshop with recipes from his grandfather.
All the pieces are modeled in a traditional way and go through a production process that usually takes from one to two months, between drying, burning, and painting.
Being surrounded by a living tradition, Cesar Torres Jr., learned from his father since childhood. Architect by profession, Cesar Jr. has come to revolutionize and modernize with new designs and ideas of the current world, nevertheless always respecting the tradition of the processes and materials that make Talavera a Creole art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Ceramic, Majolica
Pair Large Rare Red and Blue Figural Swimming Maiden Majolica Two Piece Planter
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of large and rare Majolica planters is a true collector’s treasure, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and bold artistry. Each two-piece pedestal planter is sculpted in a d...
Category
1920s Spanish Neoclassical Revival Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$4,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Light Blue and Gray Ceramic Majolica Amphora Hand Painted Francois Boucher Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Large ceramic amphora with handles, made and painted entirely by hand, central Italy production, year 2009. The decoration on the vase is a reproduction of a painting by Francois Bou...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Neoclassical Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Large Vase, Matte Finish Olive Green, Spheres 24kt Gold Luster, Handmade Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Exquisite large dark olive green vase with a matte finishing, alternating with reflective surfaces embellished with 24Kt gold luster. This technique sees ceramics to undergo three co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate
Pair of 19th Century Italian Capodimonte Majolica Ewers with Bacchic Scenes
Located in Dallas, TX
This extraordinary pair of monumental Capodimonte majolica ewers was crafted in Italy circa 1870. Standing over 3 feet tall (36.75 inches high) and measuring 12.5 inches in diameter,...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Lavenia Angelo Biancini Maiolica Vase, 1930, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Lavenia Angelo Biancini Maiolica vase, 1930, Italy.
Category
1930s Italian Other Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Italian Modern Silver Platinum White Majolica Crown Vase with Orange Green Dots
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary handmade Italian Work of Art, a decorative vase in the shape of a crown in majolica, exclusive for Cosulich Interiors & Antiques by Ceramica Gatti, a long tradition Stud...
Category
2010s Italian Art Deco Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Platinum, Enamel
English Majolica Jardinière
Located in Winter Park, FL
A large English Majolica glazed ceramic jardinière, or planter, oblong shape depicting a sleeping maiden in a field of wheat. Vividly colored glaze in...
Category
19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
English Majolica Basket Mottled Green Cobalt Handle Lavender Interior, ca. 1875
Located in Banner Elk, NC
English Majolica basket with mottled green basketweave, a cobalt blue handle, and lavender interior, ca. 1875,
Measures: W 6 x H 4 x D 1.5 inches
For 30 years we have been among th...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Pair of Mid-Century French Painted Ceramic Barbotine Vases with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully sculpted and colorful, this pair of large, antique Majolica vases would be a wonderful addition to a mantel, tabletop or bookshelf. Crafted in France, circa 1950, each ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience, Majolica
Contemporary Italian Hunter Green Majolica Crown Bowl with Pure Gold Accents
Located in New York, NY
Italian contemporary post-modern Work of Art in the shape of a castle crown in majolica, exclusive design by Ceramica Gatti, an Art Studio of long tradition and Designer Ettore Sotts...
Category
2010s Italian Art Deco Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Midcentury Set Majolica Red Fish Ceramic Covered Sauce Tureen Box Salt & Pepper
Located in Coimbra, PT
Gorgeous small size set hyper realistic glazed ceramic fish covered sauce tureen and salt and pepper in shades of vibrant red and grey with dark accents ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery
Pair of Palm Motif Majolica Glazed Vases With Dolphin Base
Located in Locust Valley, NY
This pair of Majolica glazed vases features an intricate palm motif with striking green foliage against a textured crackle glaze. Each vase is adorned with ornate dolphin-shaped base...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Brown Westhead Moore and Co. Majolica Belted Suitcase Box and Cover
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Brown Westhead Moore Co. Majolica box and cover which features a suitcase (perhaps), with two belt straps either side of a twisted rope handle. Coloration: cobalt blue, brown, ochre,...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
French Majolica Elephant
Located in New York, NY
From Normandy, rare extra-large Bavent French Majolica elephant. White glaze finish, two-tone brown woven blanket and ceremonial basket. This charmin...
Category
20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$15,500
Jerome Massier Majolica Camel with Baskets Figure
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Jerome Massier Majolica figural which features a camel with pannier baskets either side. Coloration: brown, green, ochre, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks for the Jerom...
Category
Early 1900s French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Contemporary Italian Hunter Green Majolica Crown Bowl with Pure Gold Accents
Located in New York, NY
Italian contemporary post-modern Work of Art in the shape of a castle crown in majolica, exclusive design by Ceramica Gatti, an Art Studio of long tradition and Designer Ettore Sotts...
Category
2010s Italian Art Deco Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Pair of 20th Century Italian Hand-Painted Porcelain Capodimonte Wall Platters
By Capodimonte
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful pair of majolica wall plates would elevate any living room, kitchen, or dining room wall. Created in Italy circa 1980 and done in the Capodimonte style with high relief, each barbotine...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Porcelain
Mid-Century French Painted Barbotine Rainbow Trout Vessel from Fives-Lille
Located in Dallas, TX
This lively barbotine rainbow trout vessel fish was sculpted in Fives-Lille, France circa 1950 and exemplifies the naturalistic style of early 20th-century majolica. Shaped as a life...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Blue and White Majolica Urn on Dragon Stand
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Blue and white painted Majolica urn on stand detailed with Dragon relief. Wonderful marbleized or flambe finish.
Curbside to NYC/Philly $300
Category
20th Century Chinoiserie Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Contemporary Blue Butterflies Hand Painted Mother of Pearl Luster Ceramic Vase
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Our "Petalouda Iris" majolica vase showcases the timeless charm of the blue butterfly, capturing the essence of its elegance. Revered in all cultures as a symbol of fulfilled desires...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
20th Century Italian Hand-Painted and Gilt Porcelain Capodimonte Figurine Statue
By Capodimonte
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful majolica figurine would elevate any living room, kitchen, or entry way. Created in Italy circa 1950 and done in the Capodimonte style, the barbotine statue portrays a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Porcelain
19th Century Majolica Palissy Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of Majolica Palissy vases, richly glazed and finely detailed in the naturalistic style characteristic of the period. Each vase dis...
Category
1870s French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$2,450 / set
English Victorian Majolica Porcelain Ram Vase
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian Majolica style porcelain vase with ram head sides.
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Blue Ceramic Majolica Vase Vessel Decorative Butterflies Hand Painted Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Of extraordinary beauty and unique charm, the blue butterfly has always been considered the bearer of wishes. According to ancient beliefs it has the power to make dreams come true. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Large Amphora Vase Majolica Figurative Subject Crocodile Hunt Rubens Policrome
Located in Recanati, IT
Majestic majolica Amphora vase, with a height of 183 cm (72 in) and a diameter of 52 cm (20,5 in): a unique piece, entirely handmade and hand-painted in Gubbio, Central Italy, in 1995. Its surface is decorated with a splendid and detailed reproduction of the famous "The Hippopotamus and Crocodile Hunt", painted by Peter Paul Ruben's (1615).
The body of the vase shows remarkable technical capabilities, given its size and complexity. The amphora is divided into three parts: the base, the central body and the neck. The rarity of majolica artworks of this size lies in the technical difficulty of managing the entire creation process given the large size, both for the making of the terracotta artifact and the subsequent decorating phase. During the first firing of the clay biscuit the risk of breakage is very high and also during the second firing of the color majolica hides many pitfalls, this explains the rarity of artworks of this size, the difficulty of the decorations and consequently their value.
Description of the reproduction painted :
Peter Paul Rubens created the canvas oil painting entitled The Hippopotamus and Crocodile Hunt between 1615–16. The hunt takes place on the banks of the Nile, as indicated by a palm tree in the background. As hippopotami and crocodiles were considered dangerous nuisances, their destruction was a duty performed by noblemen. The hunting party comprises three men in orientalizing costume—mounted on Arabian horses, who hunt with lance and sword—and two valets clad in roughly-hewn jerkins—one of whom has been killed by one of the beasts. The enraged hippopotamus tramples the crocodile, as both are attacked by the hunters and hounds...
Category
1990s Italian Baroque Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Blue Ceramic Vase Butterflies 24 Kt Gold Luster Hand Painted Decorative Vessel
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Of extraordinary beauty and unique charm, the blue butterfly has always been considered the bearer of wishes. According to ancient beliefs it has the power to make dreams come true. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold
Majolica Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Small Majolica sealife platter Vallauris, circa 1950.
High relief of fish, seaweeds,starfish.
Nautical style.
Diameter / 7.5 by 6"
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
French Majolica Trinket Box with Cherubs
Located in Tampa, FL
A stunning French majolica trinket box dating to the 1890s, featuring two beautifully modeled cherub heads at the top in an ornate Baroque style.
Glazed in a rich turquoise hue, thi...
Category
1890s French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Majolica Vase Snake Two-handled Amphora Orange Blue Hand Painted Italian Ceramic
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Amphora in majolica handmade in Italy and hand-painted in polychrome, decorated with a reinterpretation of the patterns used in Deruta during the Fifteenth Century, following the ori...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Monumental Italian Majolica Paint Decorated Pitcher
Located in Norwood, NJ
Very large Italian majolica ceramic pitcher by Armando Poggi, Florence, Italy. Hand paint decorated with colorful grapes on vines along with large plump lemons. A beautiful decoratio...
Category
20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
Mid-Century French Majolica Gnome Trio with Watering Can, Basket, and Staff
Located in Dallas, TX
Add whimsical charm to your home or garden with this expressive set of three vintage Majolica sculptures, crafted in France circa 1960. Each hand-painted ceramic gnome...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Large Ewer Hand Painted Pearl White Decorative Vase Unique Piece Made in Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Magnificent large decorative ewer, handmade and hand-painted in Italy by the artist G. Mengoni for deBlona. His creativity was inspired by Middle Eastern ceramic tradition, whose orn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Luster, Majolica
Pair of Italian Majolica Busts, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian majolica busts, circa 1870.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$3,500 / set
Large Minton Majolica Wine Cistern, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
Modelled by Louis-Francouis Jeannest (1813-1857).
Literature: Marilyn G. Karmason with Joan B. Stacke, Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey, 1989, p. 64, illustrated...
Category
1870s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Cobalt Blue Majolica Vase Vessel Ceramic Centerpiece Sculpture Handmade, Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
The “Abisso” vase, crafted and painted by hand in Italy, draws inspiration from the mysterious depths of the ocean. Its unique coloring technique ensures that no two pieces are alike...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Vase, Ceramic, Enamel Hand Painted, Attributable to Late Bauhaus, 1930, Germany
Located in Wien, AT
Very special vase, made of ceramic with extraordinarily decorative painting, made by hand in enamel.
This style in Art Deco, the workmanship and the objects of comparison, for exam...
Category
1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
$496 Sale Price
20% Off
Vase Vessel Majolica Ornament Hand Painted Empire Red Limited Edition Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
This lavish majolica vase is painted in polychrome, characterized by the elegant presence of naturalistic ornamental motifs that enhance its forms beautifully. Its powerful aesthetic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Early 20th Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Decorative Dish with Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Display your fruit or other perishables in this colorful antique Majolica dish. Created in Provence, France crafted, circa 1920, the decorative p...
Category
Early 20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Contemporary Italian Apple Jade Green Majolica Crown Bowl with Platinum Accents
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary handmade Italian post-modern Work of Art in the shape of a Fleur de Lys crown in majolica, exclusive design by Ceramica Gatti, a long tradition studio and famous designe...
Category
2010s Italian Art Deco Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Large majolica Albarello with pharmaceutical writing, Italy circa 1730.
Located in Milan, IT
Large majolica Albarello with a flared central body with curvatures at shoulder height, wide distinct foot (8,75’’), flared and moulded. Wide mouth, strongly projecting harpy-shaped ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Vase Vessel Majolica Damask Renaissance Black Yellow Hand Painted Italy Deruta
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Majolica vase with a black background decorated in golden yellow. the vase is formed by a very slender body and a flared neck ending with a rather everted edge: it is handmade and ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Antique Majolica Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Antique Majolica sculpture.
Category
Early 20th Century Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$495 Sale Price
28% Off
A Tall and Slender Antique Hand Painted Italian Majolica Ewer, Naples Circa 1870
Located in Dallas, TX
Signed on the underside by Gaetano Battaglia of Manifattura Battaglia, this tall hand-painted majolica ewer originates from Naples, Italy, circa 1870. Known as an istoriato (loosely ...
Category
1870s Italian Renaissance Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Paint
French Gilt Metal Mounted Red Vases, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Metal Mounted Red Two Handle Vases, late 19th century, each of baluster form and stamped "Made in France" to underside. 14.5" H x 8.5" W x 7" D.
Category
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Gaudin French Majolica Horse
By Atelier Primavera au Printemps, Jean Gaudin
Located in Queens, NY
French 1940s Majolica stylized horse with extended legs & head arched towards back in pale blue with white mane & tail (att: PRIMIVERA/GAUDIN)
Category
1930s French Art Deco 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.
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