Skip to main content

Majolica Decorative Objects

to
48
568
70
3
20
251
297
73
96
142
13
47
8
16
10
2
41
13
1
3
3
105
71
64
27
27
11
11
9
4
4
1
1
1
1,722
56,012
42,998
25,999
20,538
368
261
592
257
203
49
43
Height
to
Width
to
641
621
632
35
30
20
19
19
Material: Majolica
19th Century French Barbotine Covered Bowl with Bird and Bird Nest Décor
19th Century French Barbotine Covered Bowl with Bird and Bird Nest Décor

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 Spanish Guatemalan Majolica Pottery Angel Vase
Antique Spanish Guatemalan Majolica Pottery Angel Vase

Antique Spanish Guatemalan Majolica Pottery Angel Vase

Located in New York, NY

Antique Guatemalan majolica pottery vase, with hand painted floral design on front. Two angels adorn the upper rim, appearing at the top of each side peering out over their angel win...

Category

19th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

Majolica Ceramic Dresser Box with Lid, Teal Blue White, Italy 1950s
Majolica Ceramic Dresser Box with Lid, Teal Blue White, Italy 1950s

Majolica Ceramic Dresser Box with Lid, Teal Blue White, Italy 1950s

By Rosenthal Netter, Raymor

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Large round dresser or trinket box with lid features graphic decor with stylized leaves and scrolls motifs on the sides and the lid. The handle is sculpted in shape of a large knot o...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Majolica

Majolica Cherries Basket Sarreguemines, circa 1940
Majolica Cherries Basket Sarreguemines, circa 1940

Majolica Cherries Basket Sarreguemines, circa 1940

By Sarreguemines

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

Portuguese Palissy Majolica Tortoise Figure
Portuguese Palissy Majolica Tortoise Figure

Portuguese Palissy Majolica Tortoise Figure

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Portuguese Portuguese Palissy Majolica figure which features a tortoise. Colouration: brown, ochre, grey, are predominant.

Category

1890s Portuguese Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Large French Pottery Majolica Pheasant Tureen circa 1930
Large French Pottery Majolica Pheasant Tureen circa 1930

Large French Pottery Majolica Pheasant Tureen circa 1930

Located in Austin, TX

Large French Pottery Majolica Pheasant Tureen circa 1930.

Category

1930s French Rustic Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery

19th Century Grecian-Style Majolica Urn, Neoclassical Italian Design
19th Century Grecian-Style Majolica Urn, Neoclassical Italian Design

19th Century Grecian-Style Majolica Urn, Neoclassical Italian Design

Located in Elkhart, IN

An exceptional monumental Grecian-style majolica floor urn. This piece features busts of the ram-horned God Jupiter Ammon; with foliate banded accents; bulb...

Category

Late 19th Century Neoclassical Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Terracotta

Large 19th Century Majolica Vase with Birds Delphin Massier
Large 19th Century Majolica Vase with Birds Delphin Massier

Large 19th Century Majolica Vase with Birds Delphin Massier

By Delphin Massier

Located in Austin, TX

Large rare Majolica triple vase with birds, very colorful signed Delphin Massier. Completely painted with flowers. Height / 18.8 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of thei...

Category

1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Majolica Swan Jardinière Planter Style of Imperiale Nimy, Belgium 1900s
Majolica Swan Jardinière Planter Style of Imperiale Nimy, Belgium 1900s

Majolica Swan Jardinière Planter Style of Imperiale Nimy, Belgium 1900s

By Imperiale Royale, NIMY

Located in Verviers, BE

Majolica white swan jardinière Nimy, circa 1900. A real treasure for the ceramics' collector. Small chip to top rim not visible during use see photo. Please don't hesitate to get i...

Category

Early 1900s Belgian Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Rare Pair Worcester Majolica Dragon Vases
Rare Pair Worcester Majolica Dragon Vases

Rare Pair Worcester Majolica Dragon Vases

By Royal Worcester

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Pair of Royal Worcester Majolica vases which feature a Chinese dragon wrapped around the sides. Colouration: turquoise, green, red, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks for...

Category

1880s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Pair of Blue Art Nouveau Vases Flemish Pottery Antiques
Pair of Blue Art Nouveau Vases Flemish Pottery Antiques

Pair of Blue Art Nouveau Vases Flemish Pottery Antiques

Located in Poperinge, BE

A pair of antique Art Nouveau vases made of blue and green glazed majolica earthenware, better known as Flemish earthenware, marked "Made in Belgiu...

Category

Early 1900s Belgian Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica

19th Century Large Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter
19th Century Large Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter

19th Century Large Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter

By Choisy-le-Roi

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

Pair of Hugo Lonitz Majolica Satyr Vases
Pair of Hugo Lonitz Majolica Satyr Vases

Pair of Hugo Lonitz Majolica Satyr Vases

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Pair of Hugo Lonitz Majolica vases which feature satyr masks to the side, with grape vine swags. Colouration: cobalt blue, green, cream, are predo...

Category

1880s German Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Large Oval Majolica Palissy Crab and Fish Wall Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
Large Oval Majolica Palissy Crab and Fish Wall Platter Vallauris, circa 1950

Large Oval Majolica Palissy Crab and Fish Wall Platter Vallauris, circa 1950

By Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

Large oval Majolica Palissy crab and fish wall platter Vallauris, circa 1950 Large crab in relief, fish’s, shells and seaweeds.    

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Minton Majolica Pottery Girl Harvester Figurine 1864
Minton Majolica Pottery Girl Harvester Figurine 1864

Minton Majolica Pottery Girl Harvester Figurine 1864

By Minton

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A stunning Minton majolica pottery figure depicting a girl harvester figurine dating from 1864. The figure sits raised on a round pedestal base and holds a large oval shaped basket u...

Category

1860s English High Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

Polychrome Italian Albarello Jar with Foliate Decorations, Late 19th Century
Polychrome Italian Albarello Jar with Foliate Decorations, Late 19th Century

Polychrome Italian Albarello Jar with Foliate Decorations, Late 19th Century

Located in Dallas, TX

More information coming soon… Hand-painted in Italy during the late 1800s, this polychrome albarello jar has a green ground beneath numerous foliate rinceaux in orange and white. T...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Paint

Alzata in Maiolica Italiana dipinta con Madonna con Bambino Ocra e Celeste 1700
Alzata in Maiolica Italiana dipinta con Madonna con Bambino Ocra e Celeste 1700

Alzata in Maiolica Italiana dipinta con Madonna con Bambino Ocra e Celeste 1700

Located in Milano, MI

Alzata in Maiolica italiana dipinta in policromia agli inizi 1700 con piano perfettamente piatto con bordo rialzato decorato con l’assunzione della Madonna Incoronata raffigurata co...

Category

Early 18th Century Italian Folk Art Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Pair of Turn of the Century Italian Majolica Harlequins
Pair of Turn of the Century Italian Majolica Harlequins

Pair of Turn of the Century Italian Majolica Harlequins

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of turn of the century Italian Majolica porcelain male and female harlequin figures each wearing a top hat, striped pants and a red shirt.

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Large Minton Majolica Wine Cistern, circa 1875
Large Minton Majolica Wine Cistern, circa 1875

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

Circa 1920s American McCoy Amaryllis Pattern Console Set
Circa 1920s American McCoy Amaryllis Pattern Console Set

Circa 1920s American McCoy Amaryllis Pattern Console Set

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1920s McCoy Amaryllis pattern console set, American. Majolica pottery; 1926 pattern. Comprised of a small bowl & 2 small vases. 5/8" pre-glaze loss to interior rim, now with mi...

Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pâté Tureen circa 1950
French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pâté Tureen circa 1950

French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pâté Tureen circa 1950

Located in Austin, TX

Large French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pate Tureen circa 1950.

Category

1950s French Rustic Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery

Pair of 19th Century English Majolica Bamboo Vase
Pair of 19th Century English Majolica Bamboo Vase

Pair of 19th Century English Majolica Bamboo Vase

By Minton

Located in Austin, TX

19th Century Pair of English Majolica vases bamboo with a pink bow.

Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Delphin Massier Majolica Birds on Bamboo Vase
Delphin Massier Majolica Birds on Bamboo Vase

Delphin Massier Majolica Birds on Bamboo Vase

By Delphin Massier

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Delphin Massier French Majolica vase which features three bamboo stem vases forming a support for an egg on the top. The bamboo and egg is hand painted with flowers and leaves. Birds...

Category

1890s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Majolica Triple Bamboo Vase with Birds Massier, circa 1880
Majolica Triple Bamboo Vase with Birds Massier, circa 1880

Majolica Triple Bamboo Vase with Birds Massier, circa 1880

By Delphin Massier

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

19th Century Majolica Rose Vase Delphin Massier
19th Century Majolica Rose Vase Delphin Massier

19th Century Majolica Rose Vase Delphin Massier

By Delphin Massier

Located in Austin, TX

Fine French Majolica pink rose vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1880. The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and painti...

Category

1880s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Large Painted Italian Majolica Urn, circa 1885
Large Painted Italian Majolica Urn, circa 1885

Large Painted Italian Majolica Urn, circa 1885

Located in Dallas, TX

From Italy, this large, hand-painted Majolica urn dates to the late 1800s. At the top are two putti seated upon the lid and two more putti lying upon their stomachs on the curled aca...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

19th Century Majolica Vase Choisy Le Roi
19th Century Majolica Vase Choisy Le Roi

19th Century Majolica Vase Choisy Le Roi

By 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

Aldo Londi for Bitossi “Rimini Blu” Etruscan Revival Ceramic Vase, Italy, 1960s
Aldo Londi for Bitossi “Rimini Blu” Etruscan Revival Ceramic Vase, Italy, 1960s

Aldo Londi for Bitossi “Rimini Blu” Etruscan Revival Ceramic Vase, Italy, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Valencia, VC

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Rimini Blu ceramic vase, Italy, 1960s. Brick-shaped form with a strong, architectural profile. The surface is decorated with horizontal bands of impressed Et...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Faience, Majolica

Monumental Majolica Shell Jardiniere Circa 1880
Monumental Majolica Shell Jardiniere Circa 1880

Monumental Majolica Shell Jardiniere Circa 1880

Located in Austin, TX

Stunning monumental Majolica pink clamshell jardiniere, circa 1880. This yellow and brown footed shell is decorated with coral,seaweeds and yellow...

Category

1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Pair Large Rare Red and Blue Figural Swimming Maiden Majolica Two Piece Planter
Pair Large Rare Red and Blue Figural Swimming Maiden Majolica Two Piece Planter

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

19th Century Majolica Box Choisy Le Roi
19th Century Majolica Box Choisy Le Roi

19th Century Majolica Box Choisy Le Roi

By Choisy-le-Roi

Located in Austin, TX

19th Century Majolica Box Choisy Le Roi with a floral and leaves decor.

Category

1880s French Rustic Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

French Vallauris Turquoise Majolica Handled Vase Urn, circa 1950
French Vallauris Turquoise Majolica Handled Vase Urn, circa 1950

French Vallauris Turquoise Majolica Handled Vase Urn, circa 1950

By Vallauris

Located in Pearland, TX

A lovely vintage French Mid Century turquoise majolica handled vase or urn from Vallauris in the south of France, circa 1950. No maker's mark. This stunning vase has a stylish shape ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century French Majolica Beehive Tobacco Jar
19th Century French Majolica Beehive Tobacco Jar

19th Century French Majolica Beehive Tobacco Jar

Located in Austin, TX

19th Century French Majolica Beehive Tobacco Jar. North of France.

Category

1890s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Majolica Palissy Fish Jardiniere School of Paris, circa 1880
Majolica Palissy Fish Jardiniere School of Paris, circa 1880

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

Majolica Frog with Mandolin Massier, circa 1900
Majolica Frog with Mandolin Massier, circa 1900

Majolica Frog with Mandolin Massier, circa 1900

By Jerome Massier Fils

Located in Austin, TX

Art Nouveau green Majolica frog who playing mandolin unsigned Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1900. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. The Massi...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Majolica Lidded Turtle Jar by Jan Pugh
Majolica Lidded Turtle Jar by Jan Pugh

Majolica Lidded Turtle Jar by Jan Pugh

Located in Bradenton, FL

A 1993 hand crafted majolica lidded jar in the shape of a turtle, made by ceramicist Jan Pugh. Made of terracotta, the jar is hand painted and glazed with a simple pink rose motif do...

Category

1990s American Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Terracotta

Majolica Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
Majolica Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris, circa 1950

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

Delphin Massier Majolica Jardinière 'Planter and Oak Stand', Vallauris
Delphin Massier Majolica Jardinière 'Planter and Oak Stand', Vallauris

Delphin Massier Majolica Jardinière 'Planter and Oak Stand', Vallauris

By Delphin Massier, Vallauris

Located in Verviers, BE

Art Nouveau Majolica jardinière, planter with Oak stand Style of Delphin Massier & Fils at Vallauris This stylish piece is an early example by a renowned maker, showing the main inspirations of Art Nouveau, applying curved, organic and asymmetrical design elements to a functional object. In this example, hand-applied ceramic petals and streaks of coloured glaze are used to accentuate the plant-like shape. The jardinière is exactly matched to the Oak stand on which it sits. Design period, circa 1890 The piece is in Good condition with no signs of cracks or damage, and a real beauty! A rare find for the connoisseur. Dimensions: Complete Height 97 cm External diameter 46 cm Jardinière / pot External diameter 46 cm Height 34 cm Stand/pillar Oak...

Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Oak

French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pâté Tureen circa 1950
French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pâté Tureen circa 1950

French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pâté Tureen circa 1950

Located in Austin, TX

French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pate Tureen circa 1950.

Category

1950s French Rustic Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery

Sculpture Giant Amphora Vase Majolica Hand Painted Four Seasons Art Nouveau
Sculpture Giant Amphora Vase Majolica Hand Painted Four Seasons Art Nouveau

Sculpture Giant Amphora Vase Majolica Hand Painted Four Seasons Art Nouveau

Located in Recanati, IT

Majestic amphora in glazed majolica, handmade and hand painted in central Italy. On the amphora are represented, in great detail, the four seasons personified by graceful women surro...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Nouveau Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Italian Majolica Pharmacy Jar
Italian Majolica Pharmacy Jar

Italian Majolica Pharmacy Jar

Located in Bradenton, FL

Late 18th century Italian Majolica Polychrome Pharmacy Jar or Albarello, dated 1777. These jars were use in apothecaries to hold medicinal herbs, powders...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Classical Roman Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Gio Ponti rare model Le Mie Terre vase manufactured by Richard-Ginori
Gio Ponti rare model Le Mie Terre vase manufactured by Richard-Ginori

Gio Ponti rare model Le Mie Terre vase manufactured by Richard-Ginori

By Gio Ponti, 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

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

A Tall and Slender Antique Hand Painted Italian Majolica Ewer, Naples Circa 1870
A Tall and Slender Antique Hand Painted Italian Majolica Ewer, Naples Circa 1870

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

Italian Majolica Terracotta Cat Figure Sitting on a Pillow
Italian Majolica Terracotta Cat Figure Sitting on a Pillow

Italian Majolica Terracotta Cat Figure Sitting on a Pillow

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A charming Italian majolica terracotta cat, beautifully hand-painted and glazed, seated regally upon a decorative pillow. Rich color and expressive detailing bring personality and wa...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Terracotta, Paint

Art Nouveau French Majolica Planter De Bruyn Fives Lille, 1890s
Art Nouveau French Majolica Planter De Bruyn Fives Lille, 1890s

Art Nouveau French Majolica Planter De Bruyn Fives Lille, 1890s

By Fives-Lille

Located in ASNIÈRES-SUR-SEINE, FR

Superb majolica jardinière / centerpiece Art Nouveau. This jardinière is not only a functional item, but also a work of art, reflecting the exquisite crafmanship of Fives Lille.

Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

French Majolica Cat with Mandolin Pitcher with Blue Ribbon, circa 1890
French Majolica Cat with Mandolin Pitcher with Blue Ribbon, circa 1890

French Majolica Cat with Mandolin Pitcher with Blue Ribbon, circa 1890

Located in Austin, TX

French Majolica cat with mandolin pitcher with blue ribbon, circa 1890.

Category

1890s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Majolica Sealife Oysters Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
Majolica Sealife Oysters Platter Vallauris, circa 1950

Majolica Sealife Oysters Platter Vallauris, circa 1950

By Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

Majolica sealife platter Vallauris, circa 1950. High relief of starfish, seaweeds, oyster, shell. Nautical style.     

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Jasba Color-block Vase, West German Pottery 1960s
Jasba Color-block Vase, West German Pottery 1960s

Jasba Color-block Vase, West German Pottery 1960s

By West German Pottery, Jasba

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Mid Century Modern ceramic vase features an abstract graphic decor enveloping the whole body of the vase with color blocked bands of green and orange divided by off-white and dark gr...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

Antique and Vintage Majolica Vases, Bowls, Candleholders and Other Decorative Objects

The popularity of Victorian majolica, the gaily colored, metallic-oxide-glazed earthenware, has ebbed and flowed for more than a century. Right now, antique and vintage vases, bowls and other decorative objects appear to be having a moment — again.

Starting in the 1850s, people in the U.S. and the U.K. embraced these affordable housewares with unusual polychrome palettes (turquoise and pink) and whimsical forms (candlesticks shaped like dolphins). By the 1870s, majolica was being mass-produced for an ever-expanding middle class in countries like England, France, Sweden, Hungary and Portugal. Majolica was Art for Everyman. Its popularity coincided with interest in exotic Japonisme and scientific studies by the likes of Carl Linnaeus, Charles Darwin and John James Audobon.

Despite a similarity in name, Victorian majolica is significantly different in subject matter and form from its Italian forebear, Renaissance maiolica. That earlier earthenware bore gaily painted religious and mythological scenes, and unlike majolica, with its  lively contours, was not molded or three dimensional.

What was the attraction of majolica for the 19th-century collector? “Imagine what it looked like in a Victorian interior, with dark woods, heavy drapes and upholstered chairs and sofas,” says Susan Weber, founder of the Bard Graduate Center in New York. “Majolica is robust and extremely tactile. With its naturalistic shapes, colorful glazes and often humorous themes, it appealed to the growing consumer society.” 

In England, manufacturers like Minton began to produce decorative, relief-molded majolica tiles for the interiors of taverns, train stations, even the famous Queen’s Dairy at Frogmore, on the grounds of Windsor Castle. In 19th-century France, Sèvres and smaller ceramics firms began to reinterpret the snake-decorated platters made by Bernard Palissy, a 16th-century self-taught French potter. The result was a type of majolica called Palissy ware, which, like the originals, was festooned with odd creatures (lobsters, lizards and snakes) modeled by hand.

The late Moroccan-born, Paris-based decorator Alberto Pinto often placed Palissy ware in his clients’ living rooms, posing individual pieces on brackets against a background of stamped, gilded leather. Pinto, in turn, influenced such contemporary decorators as Harry Heissmann of New York. After 1900, people got swept up in the romanticism of Art Nouveau and ceased buying majolica. The 1970s saw a revival of interest, and in 1982, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in New York, organized “English Majolica,” an exhibition featuring 75 examples from Minton, Wedgwood and George Jones, among other makers. 

On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage majolica tea sets, vases, candlesticks, tureens and other furniture and decorative objects.