Majolica Decorative Objects
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Material: Majolica
Fratelli Fanciullacci Majolica Vase with Relief Decor, Italy Mid Century
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Unusual vintage majolica vase with complex glaze in dark Bordeau oxblood red and various shades of grey colors features bands of applied reliefs in shape of abstract, graphic flowers. Top and bottom parts of the vase and bands of relief decor are decorated with gold. Monochromatic white glaze was used on inner surfaces, accentuating the palest grey shades in the main glaze.
The vase is signed on the bottom with model number and "Italy"; while it does not have the usual the manufacturer's mark, "FF", the glaze that was used for this series is well documented to Fratelli Fanciullacci. It was common for Italian ceramics manufacturers to omit marking their pieces with their logos if the they were intended for American or European distributors; instead, they would only mark it "Italy" to allow the distributor to use their stickers, or rarely, they would mark the piece with "studio tame" for "distributor name" if the distributor did not object. Pieces from this particular series were made by Fratelli Fanciullacci with their own mark, for Ebeling Reuss...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
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
Antique Victorian Historism Majolica Pedestal Bowl / Centerpiece Knights Dragons
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique Historism centerpiece / pedestal bowl is made of polychrom glazed majolica and features four cartouches decorated with high relief knight helmets and dragons. The manufa...
Category
1880s German Rococo Revival Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
$652 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Barbotine Majolica Pot with Lid Organic Art Nouveau
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful antique pot with lid, barbotine or majolica pottery, the pot has the shape of a tree trunk and the handle of a branch, typical of the organic shapes and colours that are ty...
Category
Early 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Pair of Minton Majolica Dove Flower Holders
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Pair of Minton Majolica flower holders which feature a fantail pigeon, standing on a leafy base. Flower inserts around the tail. Colouration: white, gre...
Category
1870s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$3,000 / set
19th Century French Majolica Egg Vase Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Egg shaped Vase Delphin Massier.
Decorated with flowers a daisy ,a pansy and a wild rose.
H / 4.3 inches.
The Massier family are known for the quality of...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau 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, 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
Handpainted German Bauhaus Era Pottery Jug Vase - Suprematist Art Deco Design
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This unique vintage handpainted pottery jug vase showcases a striking Art Deco Bauhaus design with strong Suprematist-inspired motifs. Crafted in Germany around 1920, this modernist ...
Category
1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Life Size Leopard Mount Italian Terracotta Mid 20th Century
Located in Rochester, NY
Life size leopard wall mount. Hand painted terracotta. Italian. Mid 20th century.
# modern Hollywood regency animal cat
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
French 1880s Barbotine Majolica Basket with High Relief Colorful Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French majolica basket from the late 19th century with high relief floral barbotine décor. Created in France during the last quarter of the 19th century, this majolica features a b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
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
Minton Majolica Two Handled Vase on Pedestal
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica vase which features grapes and vine leaves, two lion head handles and a (fixed) pedestal base. Colouration: turquoise, pink, ochre...
Category
1870s English Victorian 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
2 Antique French Sarregumines Majolica Snake Serpent Mantel Vase Urn 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of very large and impressive late 19th century Sarregumines majolica pottery vases - classical urn shape with coiled double headed snake / serpent handles, brown and white multi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$6,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Mancioli Italy Pheasant lidded Bowl / Tureen With Tail Ladle Vintage 1970s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage pheasant tureen with tail ladle was made in Italy by Mancioli Company. The bowl with the lid on forms a shape of a pheasant; the ladle forms its tail. It is decorated in rus...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Majolica, Pottery
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
Hand Painted Blue Majolica Handles Bowl Centerpiece Ornament Renaissance Deruta
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
This fine majolica centerpiece is made and hand-painted in Deruta, Italy. The Bowl recalls the ancient structure of the Greek cups that were used to mix wate...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
19th Century French Onnaing Barbotine Jardiniere
By Onnaing
Located in Winter Park, FL
A large late 19th century French Barbotine jardiniere, or cache pot, with swan motif. Hand-painted glazed ceramic with vibrant color and turquoise blue interior. Perfect for the disp...
Category
Late 19th Century French Beaux Arts Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century English Majolica Stork Vase, Joseph Holdcroft
Located in Austin, TX
This Victorian Majolica stork vase is signed Joseph Holdcroft, inspired by Minton Joseph Holdcroft offer here a different version more rustic.
It's...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Charles Lemanceau French Art Deco Borzoi Greyhound Couple, 1930s Majolica
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A rare majolica ceramic sculpture by Charles Lemanceau for Saint Clément. The piece depicts two sleek, streamlined greyhounds in motion, capturing the essence of speed and grace. The...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category
Early 1900s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Vintage Deruta Italian Majolica Boat Shaped Vase
By Deruta
Located in New Orleans, LA
A unique, rare early 20th century Italian Majolica boat shaped bowl created in the Deruta studio, Deruta, Italy. A rare and coveted example of the golden...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Rustic Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$105 Sale Price
40% Off
Vintage 20th Century Majolica Style Monkey With Woven Basket Pedestal Bowls
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage Majolica Monkey Pedestal Compote, Chimpanzee with Grapes & Basket Dish, French Country Tropical Decor Bohemian, Table Display Holder.
This pair of vintage majolica pottery ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
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
Majolica Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica sealife platter Vallauris, circa 1950.
High relief of fish, starfish, seaweeds, garlic.
Nautical style.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Exceptional French Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Planter Jardiniere Green Man
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This cachepot is crafted from high-quality ceramic, typically Majolica or Barbotine, known for its vibrant, glossy glaze. The glaze gives the piece a lustrous sheen and adds depth an...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
$652 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Majolica Palissy Snake & Lizard Candelstick Thomas Sergent
Located in Austin, TX
French Palissy candlestick signed Thomas Sergent, circa 1880.
Trompe l'oeil wood with leaves decorated with snake and lizard.
Thomas Victor Sergent was an active member of the School...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
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
French Pottery Majolica Tureen circa 1930
Located in Austin, TX
French Pottery Majolica Tureen circa 1930.
Category
1930s French Rustic Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery
Humorous Majolica Frog Vase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Majolica vase which features two seated frogs, either side of a screen. Coloration: Brown, green, blue, are predominant.
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Art Nouveau style Majolica Cache Pot
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pretty 19th century Majolica cache pot, decorated in shades of green and brown, and featuring the vivid colouration, whimsical shapes and high-relief sculpture typical of the style...
Category
19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Porcelain
Antique 1920’s Grand Tour Italian Venice Majolica Vase
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique, grand tour, Italian hand painted and transfer ware majolica handled vase with panels depicting Ancient Greek Society, handles in the shape of winged griffin's and grotesq...
Category
1920s Italian Grand Tour Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
$300 Sale Price
79% Off
Majolica Fish Sealife Oysters Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica sealife oysters platter Vallauris, circa 1950.
High relief of seaweeds, starfish , oysters , mussel
Nautical style.
8.3 inches diameter
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Art Nouveau Handmade and Hand Glazed Planter Jardinière, Stamp: Wessel 958
By Wessel & Muller
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant Handmade Majolica Hand-glazed
Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1920.
Stamp Imperiale Royale, WESSEL
Handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant details.
Made in Germany
Art Nouv...
Category
1920s German Art Nouveau Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Decorative Object Vase Majolica Decorated Deruta Midcentury Italian Design 1950s
By Deruta
Located in Palermo, IT
Vase made of hand-painted majolica in shades of blue, avion, white and gold, with decorations depicting women. Made in Italy in the 1950s with Deruta signature underneath. (as can be...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter by Victor Barbizet
By Victor Barbizet
Located in Austin, TX
Large Palissy fishs wall platter on a blue background with bugs, butterfly, lizard, crawfish, shells, leaves as ferns.
The School of Paris is composed by makers as Victor Barbizet, F...
Category
1880s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
1870s French Pair of Yellow Blue Green Red White Majolica Jardinières / Vases
By Nevers
Located in New York, NY
1872-1876, rare pair of fun French faience cachepots/planters with provenance: the manoir "La Dijonnerie" near Bourges. These are a creation by...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century Large Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter
Located in Austin, TX
Large Palissy wall platter a large catshark on the center surrounded by four fishs, two frogs, two crawfishs, two lizards, shells and different greens plants, circa 1900, this platte...
Category
Early 1900s French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Majolica Cicada Vase Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1940
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica vase with cicada signed Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1940.
Provençal style.
Category
1950s French Country Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Majolica Wall Pocket Dog Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica dog wall pocket signed Delphin Massier.
Height / 7.3 inches.
The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. The Massier family produced ...
Category
1890s French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
19th Century French Painted Porcelain Barbotine Jardinière with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a tabletop in your home with this elegant and colorful antique Majolica jardinière. Crafted in France, circa 1870, the ceramic planter stands on tree trunk form feet and fea...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Porcelain, Faience
French Vallauris Majolica Emerald Green Reticulated Centerpiece Bowl, Circa 1940
By Vallauris
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous vintage majolica glazed green reticulated basketweave bowl from Vallauris in the French Riviera region of France, circa 1940. Maker's mark on interior. Vallauris is consid...
Category
1940s French Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Antique Majolica Tobacco Jar Munich Child in Hofbrauhaus Keg, Germany 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for an antique figural tobacco jar featuring the Munich Child on a keg from Munich's famous Hofbrauhaus. The jar reads "Tabak" (german fo...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Large Rare White Faience Cat Art Deco Jacques Adnet
Located in Austin, TX
Large Rare White Faience Cat Art Deco Jacques Adnet.
Made by Henri Delcourt a Boulogne (1917-1935) for the Maitrise.
Signed Adnet and Henri Delcourt.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Antique English Majolica Figural Basket Planter or Jardiniere with Vine Decor
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique planter is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1890 and done in the period Late Victorian style. The planter is composed of Majolica and done in a figural basket shape with and brown ground with cream accents to the rim and base and green vines...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Life-Size Italian Boxer Dog Terracotta Ceramic Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Italian Boxer Majolica dog statue figurine. Nice addition to your room or entry hall. It is approx. 28.75" high, 18.5" wide and 8 inches deep. Made of Majolica ce...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
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
Majolica Rooster & Hen Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica vase with a rooster & hen vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Reference / A similar example of this piece page 83 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of Bottero.
Category
1890s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
19th Century Majolica Vase Choisy Le Roi
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica vase signed Choisy le Roi, circa 1890.
Height / 11 inches.
Fleur de lis and pink flowers.
At the end of 19th century, Choisy le roi was one of the most important cer...
Category
1890s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience, Majolica
Antique Majolica Jardinière by Gustave de Bruyn Fives Lille Cherubs Lions Cobalt
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This Majolica jardinière is richly decorated, featuring a deep cobalt blue glaze as the base color. The sides are adorned with cherubs and lion heads in golden and brown tones, refle...
Category
Early 1900s French Renaissance Revival Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
19th Century Majolica Monkey Pianist Humidor Tobacco Jar Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
Amusing Majolica monkey pianist tobacco jar Sarreguemines, circa 1880.Rarely found complete with his lid ,he wear a costume of Oriental style, he play piano and two books are represe...
Category
1880s French Rococo Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Rooster Glazed Ceramic Pitcher, Ukraine, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching black and amber Majolica ceramic rooster jug / pitcher, Ukraine, 1950s-1960s.
A cool accent to any kitchen or to be user as serving pitcher. Lovely as a part of a cerami...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ukrainian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Hand Painted Yellow Ceramic Vase by Bottega Vignoli Italy Contemporary Majolica
Located in London, GB
Gio' Vase - Hommage to Gio Ponti, 2024 - Hand-painted majolica, fired in full fire-reduction
Dimensions: 28 cm diameter x 36 cm height
Unique piece
Bottega Vignoli is a brand of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
Majolica Triple Bamboo Vase with Birds Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
A large Majolica triple bamboo vase decorated with four birds attributed to Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
Category
1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Victorian Minton Majolica Marine Vase with Merboys
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica vase which features three merboys supporting a vessel adorned with seaweeds. The rim of the vase is modelled to depict breaking waves. Turquoise ground version. Colou...
Category
1860s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Monumental Antique 19th Century French Sarreguemines Majolica Vase
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous monumental 17" antique 19th century Art Nouveau period French Sarreguemines majolica vase. Maker's mark on reverse. This exquisi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Majolica Cherries Basket Sarreguemines, circa 1940
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Trompe l'oeil basket with cherries handle signed Sarreguemines, circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Country Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic
Brown Westhead Moore Majolica Owl Figure
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Brown Westhead Moore & Co majolica figural which features an owl perched on a branch. The owl with original glass eyes. Coloration: brown, cream, ...
Category
1870s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
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
Small French Art Nouveau Barbotine Jardiniere, 1900s
Located in Köln, NW
Small french Art Nouveau Barbotine Jardinière in the style of Hector Guimard. Very finely worked. Delicate form. very rare. Numbered and marked on...
Category
Early 1900s French Jugendstil Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century French Barbotine Covered Bowl with Bird and Bird Nest Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century petite French faience bowl adorned with a bird and bird nest barbotine décor. This French pottery features a green colored body, decorated with exquisite colorful flow...
Category
19th Century French Antique 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.
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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.
Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers
Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.
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Japanese Export Porcelain
Green Swan
Metal Wreath
Japanese Desk Modern
Kt Furniture
International Exhibition Of Modern Decorative And Industrial Arts
Japanese Crackle
Grotesque Mask
Jouve France
Large Cornucopia
Irish Art Deco
Large Bronze Cross
Italian Mcm
Gypsum Art
Large Metal Pot
Louis Xv Bronze Clock
Imari Bird
Goats Head