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Majolica Decorative Objects

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Material: Majolica
Antique Eichwald Majolica Three-Handled Low Jardinière, Bohemian Art Nouveau
Antique Eichwald Majolica Three-Handled Low Jardinière, Bohemian Art Nouveau

Antique Eichwald Majolica Three-Handled Low Jardinière, Bohemian Art Nouveau

Located in Nottingham, GB

Moulded in a compressed circular form, this earthenware low jardinière is supported on three integrated whiplash handles that sweep from the rim downwards to serve as feet. The exter...

Category

Early 20th Century Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Jerome Massier Majolica Camel with Baskets Figure
Jerome Massier Majolica Camel with Baskets Figure

Jerome Massier Majolica Camel with Baskets Figure

By Jerome Massier

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

Majolica 'Jumbo' Elephant Figure
Majolica 'Jumbo' Elephant Figure

Majolica 'Jumbo' Elephant Figure

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Majolica figure which features 'Jumbo', the elephant. Jumbo was obtained by London Zoo in 1865 as a two year old, where he became a favorite attraction. This model can also be found ...

Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Majolica Porcelain Trompe l'Oeil Asparagus Covered Box
Majolica Porcelain Trompe l'Oeil Asparagus Covered Box

Majolica Porcelain Trompe l'Oeil Asparagus Covered Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Majolica lidded Box Tromp l'Oeil to look like asparagus. The box is a wonderful decorative piece in the kitchen or dining room - holding anything from office supplies at a kitchen w...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain

Pair of 19th Century Majolica Vases Choisy Le Roi
Pair of 19th Century Majolica Vases Choisy Le Roi

Pair of 19th Century Majolica Vases Choisy Le Roi

By Choisy-le-Roi

Located in Austin, TX

Pair of 19th Century Majolica Vases signed Choisy Le Roi. The manufacture of Choisy le Roi was one of the most important manufacture at the end of 19th century, they produced very hi...

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

19th Century French Thomas Sergent Hand Painted Faience Barbotine Ewer
19th Century French Thomas Sergent Hand Painted Faience Barbotine Ewer

19th Century French Thomas Sergent Hand Painted Faience Barbotine Ewer

By Thomas Victor Sergent

Located in Dallas, TX

Add this elegant antique Majolica ewer to your faience collection. Crafted in France, circa 1870, and attributed to the French artist Thomas Sergent, the tall "Aiguiere" dressed wit...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience, Majolica

Antique Hand Painted Majolica Vase from Umbria, circa 1870
Antique Hand Painted Majolica Vase from Umbria, circa 1870

Antique Hand Painted Majolica Vase from Umbria, circa 1870

Located in Dallas, TX

From Italy, this hand painted majolica vase has two scenes divided by scrolling snake handles. One side depicts a trophy of arms with black eagle supporters, a flag and a ribbon date...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

19th Century French Figural Barbotine Faience Pig Tobacco Jars, Set of 2
19th Century French Figural Barbotine Faience Pig Tobacco Jars, Set of 2

19th Century French Figural Barbotine Faience Pig Tobacco Jars, Set of 2

By Onnaing

Located in Dallas, TX

Crafted in Northern France circa 1880, this engaging pair of antique figural faience tobacco jars is executed in the manner of Onnaing, reflecting the lively humor and expressive mod...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience, Majolica

Vintage Majolica Scalloped Vase Hunting Bird, Italy 1950s
Vintage Majolica Scalloped Vase Hunting Bird, Italy 1950s

Vintage Majolica Scalloped Vase Hunting Bird, Italy 1950s

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Striking cylinder shaped vase features hand painted majolica decor on off-white background. Sculptural scalloped surfaces guide the eye along the lines of the piece and add dimention...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

White 3D Printed Ceramic Sculptural Vase Italy Contemporary, 21st Century
White 3D Printed Ceramic Sculptural Vase Italy Contemporary, 21st Century

White 3D Printed Ceramic Sculptural Vase Italy Contemporary, 21st Century

By Andrea Salvatori

Located in London, GB

"Composizione 40100 #02" (In crescendo), 2019, glazed earthenware, measures: H 47 x 30 x 30cm Andrea Salvatori (Italy, 1975) is an internationally renowned visual artist working with the ceramic medium to realize often ironic and witty sculptures, sometimes involving a diverse selection of found objects, such as Murano glass vases, Meissen Porcelain miniatures or Ginori period ceramics sourced in flea markets around Europe. Salvatori’s works often begin with these items and proceed by the addition of elements masterfully created by the artist, generating an unexpected semantic shift. The result is unique, encompassing pop culture and kitsch aesthetics: a witty and effective way to turn reality upside-down and at the same time a powerful combination of exquisite craftsmanship and genuine irony. Andrea Salvatori was born on 3 of March 1975 in Faenza (Ra), Italy; he has graduated at the Istituto d’arte for Ceramic in Faenza in 1995, and he then graduated with a Degree in Sculpture at the Accademia di Belle Arti of Bologna in 2000. During his studies, Andrea learned the secrets of ceramics from the creative duo Bertozzi & Casoni having worked as an apprentice in their studio for many years at the same way as during Renaissance artists learned their practice with their Masters. Since 1997 he had several individual and collective exhibitions. In 2009 he won the first prize at the 56th edition of the prestigious Premio Faenza, the International Contest of Contemporary Art Ceramics, for which he classified second in the prior edition. In 2011 he classified second at the Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Bayadera on Elephant, Vintage Ceramic by Francesco Nonni, 1922
Bayadera on Elephant, Vintage Ceramic by Francesco Nonni, 1922

Bayadera on Elephant, Vintage Ceramic by Francesco Nonni, 1922

By Francesco Nonni

Located in Roma, IT

Terracotta maiolicata with gilded decoration. Marked: Francesco Nonni, Scuola di Faenza, 1922. Rare and precious piece of art realized du F. Nonni in Faenz...

Category

1920s Italian Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Italian Majolica Floral Vase
Italian Majolica Floral Vase

Italian Majolica Floral Vase

Located in Pasadena, TX

This vase comes from Italy. It depicts a lily. The vase is what is known a s majolica. Majolica is made by opaquing terra cota clay and high gloss glazes.

Category

20th Century Italian Organic Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Glazed Majolica Statute, Carlo Lorenzetti for Pietro Melandri, 1934
Glazed Majolica Statute, Carlo Lorenzetti for Pietro Melandri, 1934

Glazed Majolica Statute, Carlo Lorenzetti for Pietro Melandri, 1934

By Carlo Lorenzetti

Located in Roma, IT

Diana the Huntress is an original decorative object realized by Carlo Lorenzetti for Pietro Melandri in 1934. Original Faenza Ceramics. Original glazed majolica. Good condition...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Pair of 19th Century Italian Capodimonte Majolica Ewers with Bacchic Scenes
Pair of 19th Century Italian Capodimonte Majolica Ewers with Bacchic Scenes

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

Mediterranea Ceramic Plate Hand Painted Glazed Majolica Italy Contemporary
Mediterranea Ceramic Plate Hand Painted Glazed Majolica Italy Contemporary

Mediterranea Ceramic Plate Hand Painted Glazed Majolica Italy Contemporary

By Bottega Vignoli

Located in London, GB

Bottega Vignoli, Mediterranea large plate, hand-painted Italian majolica Approx. 55cm diameter Perfect décor for the wall or simply placed at the centre of a table, this stunning ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Pair of Urbino Style Majolica Vases, Early 20th Century
Pair of Urbino Style Majolica Vases, Early 20th Century

Pair of Urbino Style Majolica Vases, Early 20th Century

Located in New York, NY

With entwined serpent handles, painted in colors on both sides of the bodies with biblical scenes.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Antique Monumental Majolica Palissy Style Urn 19th C.
Antique Monumental Majolica Palissy Style Urn 19th C.

Antique Monumental Majolica Palissy Style Urn 19th C.

By Bernard Palissy

Located in Norwalk, CT

This historically relevant vase stands at almost 4 feet tall, bringing a striking amount of presence to any room where it is displayed. This urn has been expertly crafted in the style of Bernard Palissy, famed 16th century ceramic artist known for his 'rustic' style and use of nature imagery. In the case of this large floor urn...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica

Ceramic Vase by Bottega Vignoli Hand-Painted Italian Majolica Contemporary
Ceramic Vase by Bottega Vignoli Hand-Painted Italian Majolica Contemporary

Ceramic Vase by Bottega Vignoli Hand-Painted Italian Majolica Contemporary

By Bottega Vignoli

Located in London, GB

Bottega Vignoli, Roma vase, Hand-painted earthenware (majolica) fired in full reduction firing, 34 cm height 18cm diameter, unique piece, 2020. Bottega Vignoli is a brand of ar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Faience Vase from Montigny
19th Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Faience Vase from Montigny

19th Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Faience Vase from Montigny

Located in Dallas, TX

This colorful antique majolica urn was sculpted in Montigny sur Loing, France, circa 1880. Tall and round in shape, the ceramic vessel features a tall, elegant form with a flared rim...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Italian Majolica Incised and Painted Ewer Fish Motif
Italian Majolica Incised and Painted Ewer Fish Motif

Italian Majolica Incised and Painted Ewer Fish Motif

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A truly whimsical and wonderful piece of Italian Majolica that is incredibly well crafted. It is incised and appears almost enameled. It is signed or inscribed by the artist on the b...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

19th Century French Montigny Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Vase on Wood Stand
19th Century French Montigny Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Vase on Wood Stand

19th Century French Montigny Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Vase on Wood Stand

Located in Dallas, TX

A striking example of French decorative ceramics, this antique barbotine faience vase combines vibrant floral decoration with an intricately carved wooden pedestal. Crafted in France...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Mahogany

Contemporary Ceramic Vase, Turquoise, Brown, Collectible Design, Handmade Italy
Contemporary Ceramic Vase, Turquoise, Brown, Collectible Design, Handmade Italy

Contemporary Ceramic Vase, Turquoise, Brown, Collectible Design, Handmade Italy

By deBlona

Located in Recanati, IT

The "Abisso Caraibi" 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 a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Pair of 20th Century Italian Hand-Painted Porcelain Capodimonte Wall Platters
Pair of 20th Century Italian Hand-Painted Porcelain Capodimonte Wall Platters

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

Modern Vase, Matte Finish Aquamarine, Spheres 24kt Gold Luster, Handmade Italy
Modern Vase, Matte Finish Aquamarine, Spheres 24kt Gold Luster, Handmade Italy

Modern Vase, Matte Finish Aquamarine, Spheres 24kt Gold Luster, Handmade Italy

By deBlona

Located in Recanati, IT

Elegant aquamarine 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

Royal Worcester Majolica Putti in Gondola Dish
Royal Worcester Majolica Putti in Gondola Dish

Royal Worcester Majolica Putti in Gondola Dish

By Royal Worcester

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

Ceramic Moon Jar by Bottega Vignoli Hand-Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary
Ceramic Moon Jar by Bottega Vignoli Hand-Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary

Ceramic Moon Jar by Bottega Vignoli Hand-Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary

By Bottega Vignoli

Located in London, GB

Bottega Vignoli, Borgia Large Moon Jar, Hand-Painted Majolica with full-fire reduction firing, 42 cm diameter. Unique piece. Bottega Vignoli, based in Faenza—the historic heart o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Early 20th Century French Barbotine Faience Wall Cornucopia Dated 1915
Early 20th Century French Barbotine Faience Wall Cornucopia Dated 1915

Early 20th Century French Barbotine Faience Wall Cornucopia Dated 1915

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a kitchen wall with this elegant antique cornucopia vase. Crafted in France, and made of faience, the vase features acorn and leaf motifs on branch form, all in high relief....

Category

Early 20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience, Majolica

Minton Majolica Tudor Figure Candelabra
Minton Majolica Tudor Figure Candelabra

Minton Majolica Tudor Figure Candelabra

By Minton

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Minton Majolica candelabra which features a Tudor dressed man, holding his arms aloft. He holds torches in his hands, which form the candle holders'. Color...

Category

1860s English Tudor Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Mid-Century French Barbotine Majolica Jardinière with Floral Motifs
Mid-Century French Barbotine Majolica Jardinière with Floral Motifs

Mid-Century French Barbotine Majolica Jardinière with Floral Motifs

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a dining table, buffet, or console with this expressive antique French barbotine jardinière, crafted circa 1950. The sculptural cachepot features an elegant double-compartme...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century Red Glazed Jardiniere With Lion Head Masks
19th Century Red Glazed Jardiniere With Lion Head Masks

19th Century Red Glazed Jardiniere With Lion Head Masks

Located in Dublin 8, IE

19th Century Jardiniere with lion head masks and garland detailing decorated with blended rich red majolica glaze.

Category

19th Century Irish Neoclassical Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

White and  blue coiled majolica vase hand-painted Italy contemporary
White and  blue coiled majolica vase hand-painted Italy contemporary

White and blue coiled majolica vase hand-painted Italy contemporary

Located in London, GB

Hand coiled ceramic vase by Onofrio Acone, glazed earthenware (majolica) unique piece hand-built and hand-painted approx. 31cm width 40cm height Onofrio Acone is a ceramic artist...

Category

2010s Italian Greco Roman Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Majolica

Large Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary 21st Century Lustre
Large Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary 21st Century Lustre

Large Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary 21st Century Lustre

By Bottega Vignoli

Located in London, GB

Mediterranea large bowl, 2020, full-fire reduction faience earthenware with copper lustre 30 cm diameter 10cm height, hand painted unique piece. Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century French Barbotine Majolica Covered Sugar Bowl with Cow Motifs
19th Century French Barbotine Majolica Covered Sugar Bowl with Cow Motifs

19th Century French Barbotine Majolica Covered Sugar Bowl with Cow Motifs

Located in Dallas, TX

Bring whimsical French country charm to a kitchen or breakfast room with this colorful antique Majolica sugar bowl. Crafted in France circa 1880, the ceramic...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

SACA Sesto Fiorentino 1950's Italian Maiolica Vase
SACA Sesto Fiorentino 1950's Italian Maiolica Vase

SACA Sesto Fiorentino 1950's Italian Maiolica Vase

By Saca

Located in Mexico City, MX

A 1950's Italian green and orange majolica vase with liquid gold lines by SACA Sesto Fiorentino. The vase shows a classical style festive scene in high relief. The top shows the liqu...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Pair of 19th Century French Barbotine Figural Majolica Vases
Pair of 19th Century French Barbotine Figural Majolica Vases

Pair of 19th Century French Barbotine Figural Majolica Vases

Located in Dallas, TX

A richly modeled pair of antique French barbotine vases, each conceived as a picturesque architectural scene with a finely dressed figure standing before a weathered stone wall. Craf...

Category

Early 20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century Majolica Palissy Vases
19th Century Majolica Palissy Vases

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

Large Grotesque Ceramic Vase Hand-painted Glazed Majolica and Gold Contemporary
Large Grotesque Ceramic Vase Hand-painted Glazed Majolica and Gold Contemporary

Large Grotesque Ceramic Vase Hand-painted Glazed Majolica and Gold Contemporary

Located in London, GB

Grotesque vase, unique piece, 2017, glazed earthenware and gold, 22cm width x 60cm height Antonietta Mazzotti (Faenza, Italy) attended the Istituto d’Arte per la Ceramica in Faenza and opened her first workshop in her hometown taking part in group and solo exhibitions at international level. In 1976 she has transformed the neo-gothic greenhouse of Villa Emaldi in her workshop. Antonietta Mazzotti has worked for some of the most important international museums and has received several important recognitions worldwide. Her works have been featured in major Italian magazines of interior design and she has acquired international visibility being featured in major international press publications, such as The New York Times. She still lives and works at Villa Emaldi in Faenza where she continues her research on historical decor...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Red & White Byzantium Ceramic Vase Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary
Red & White Byzantium Ceramic Vase Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary

Red & White Byzantium Ceramic Vase Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary

By Bottega Vignoli

Located in London, GB

Bottega Vignoli, Byzantium vase, 2022, hand-painted maiolica fired in full-fire reduction firing 17cm x 37cm height. Unique piece. Bottega Vignoli, based in Faenza—the historic ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Large white and light blue coiled majolica vase hand-painted Italy contemporary
Large white and light blue coiled majolica vase hand-painted Italy contemporary

Large white and light blue coiled majolica vase hand-painted Italy contemporary

Located in London, GB

Large ceramic vase by Onofrio Acone, glazed earthenware (majolica) unique piece hand-built and hand-painted approx. 48 cm width 52 cm height Onofrio Acone is a ceramic artists b...

Category

2010s Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Majolica

Sky Medium Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Glazed Majolica Italian Contemporary
Sky Medium Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Glazed Majolica Italian Contemporary

Sky Medium Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Glazed Majolica Italian Contemporary

Located in London, GB

SKY - Medium ceramic bowl by Pantoù Ceramics, hand thrown and hand painted glazed earthenware. All unique pieces, Italy, 2021. Measure: 22cm diameter...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Large Byzantium Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary Maiolica
Large Byzantium Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary Maiolica

Large Byzantium Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary Maiolica

By Bottega Vignoli

Located in London, GB

Byzantium moon jar, 2024, hand-painted maiolica fired with full reduction firing 40 cm diameter, unique piece. Winner of the Best Object Ceramic & Glass at LAPADA Art & Ant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, 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.