Majolica Decorative Objects
to
63
568
70
3
24
277
267
73
94
126
13
44
6
14
11
2
34
16
1
5
2
92
76
64
28
20
14
9
6
5
4
1
1
1
1,737
53,258
42,877
25,350
20,429
365
269
593
263
186
61
55
Height
to
Width
to
641
619
633
30
30
28
23
20
Material: Majolica
Large Italian Majolica Two-Handled Vase, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
The bulbous body decorated with standing and leaping deer in a landscape, the shoulder with two homes in the background, the handles in the shape of tiger heads above masked handles.
Category
Early 1900s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Vallauris Yellow White Brown Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Mid-Century Vallauris ashtray / bowl in glazed ceramic.
Beautiful fat lava glazed ceramic ashtray in yellow, amber, white and brown colors. Manufactured by Vallauris. France, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Unusual Arts and Crafts Footed Goblet Vase by Schwaz, Austria
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Unusual tall goblet shaped vase was hand decorated with complex abstract flower pattern in cobalt blue, marigold yellow, and sage green on the base and the body of the vase. The hig...
Category
20th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$340 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Petite Italian Majolica Fruit Basket
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely miniature Mid-Century Italian majolica basket of lemons, apples, and peaches accented by green leaves and flowers in a white basket. Maker's mark on reverse. Freshen up your...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique Ginori Istoriato Style Italian Maiolica Pottery Pilgrim Flask & Stopper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Maiolica pilgrim flask & stopper by Ginori.
Decorated in the Urbino istoriato style with polychrome cherubs to the front and a lan...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience, 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
Large Ceramic Plate Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary Unique 21st century
Located in London, GB
"Orvieto", large plate, 2017, full-fire reduction faience earthenware 52 cm diameter, hand painted unique piece.
Perfect décor for the wall or simply placed at the centre of a table...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Hand Painted Blue Ceramic Vase by Bottega Vignoli Italy Contemporary Majolica
Located in London, GB
Cassettoni Vase 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 artistic ceramics b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
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
Pair 19th Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Ceramic Vases with Fruit Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring colors to your mantel with this pair of antique Majolica vases with fruit motifs. Crafted in Southern France, circa 1880, this ceramic composition is a Classic example of barbo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Majolica Fruits Basket Sarreguemines, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica trompe l'oeil basket with fruits signed Sarreguemines, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Ceramic Moon Jar Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary, 21st Century
Located in London, GB
Mediterranea moon jar, 2020, full-fire reduction faience earthenware 40 cm diameter, hand painted unique piece.
Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Minton Majolica Putti Shell Carriers
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica figural which features two putti carrying a shell. One draped in grapes, the other draped in wheat. Colouration: green, turquoise, cream, are predominant. The piece b...
Category
1860s English Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
19th Century Majolica Box Books Choisy Le Roi
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th Century Majolica Box Books Choisy Le Roi.
H / 6.8 inches
Category
1880s French Rustic Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
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
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
19th Century English Majolica Fans Dish
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century English Majolica Fan Shape Dish.
Category
1880s British Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$180 / item
French White Terracotta Majolica Rabbit Bavent, circa 1890
By Bavent
Located in Austin, TX
Small French white terracotta Majolica rabbit Bavent, circa 1890.
(Normandy).
Measures: Length / 8 inches, height / 6 ...
Category
1890s French Rustic Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Majolica
19th Century Victorian Majolica Bird Box Joseph Holdcroft
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Victorian Majolica cobalt box with a bird handle and white flowers Joseph Holdcroft.
Very rare shape box.
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Large Midcentury Majolica Red Fish Pottery Ceramic Tureen Box, Portugal, 1950s
Located in Coimbra, PT
A magnificent big size hyper realistic glazed ceramic fish tureen in shades of vibrant red and grey with dark accents manufactured in Portugal, 1950s. Beautiful to use as a wall deco...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery
Byzantium Vase Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary 21st Century Majoilica
Located in London, GB
Byzantium Vase 2024, full-fire reduction faience earthenware (majolica) 28 cm diameter x 36 cm height hand painted unique piece.
Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
French Majolica Vase with Leaves and Berries, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica vase with leaves and berries, circa 1880.
Category
1880s French Country Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Sicilian South Italian Pair Maiolica Pottery Twin Handled Candlesticks
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish pair antique South Italian Sicilian maiolica pottery twin handled candlesticks dating from the 18th century. The handmade earthenware candlesticks stand on a wide bowl-shap...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware, Majolica
Majolica Palissy Snake Vase Thomas Sergent, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Small Palissy trunk vase with a colored snake around the vase attributed to the School of Paris, circa 1880.
The School of Paris was composed by makers as Victor Barbizet, Francois ...
Category
1880s French Rustic Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
White 3D Printed Ceramic Sculptural Vase Italy Contemporary, 21st Century
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
Majolica, Ceramic
$10,404 Sale Price
20% Off
18th-19th Century Spanish Colonial Majolica Pottery Angel Vase
Located in New York, NY
Antique Spanish Colonial 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 ang...
Category
19th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Pottery
Pair of Unique Ceramic Vases Fat Lava Style with Art Nouveau/Art Deco Influence
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pair of Unique Mid-Century Ceramic Vases – Fat Lava Style with Art Nouveau/Art Deco Influences
A stunning and rare pair of mid-20th-century ceramic vases, reminiscent of the iconic ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Vintage Tuscan Hand Painted Majolica Jug Vase Garniture Set Signed Leona Italia
Located in Forney, TX
A vintage Italian majolica ceramic three piece vessel garniture set, signed Leona Italia.
Hand-crafted and hand-painted by highly skilled artisans in Tuscany, medieval Renaissance t...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Renaissance Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Sky Small Ceramic Bowl Hand Painted Glazed Majolica Italian Contemporary
Located in London, GB
SKY - Small ceramic bowl by Pantoù Ceramics, hand thrown and hand painted glazed earthenware.
All unique pieces, Italy, 2021. Measure: 15 cm diameter.
Different finishes availa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Italian Blue and White Albarello Jar with Cartouche and Landscapes, 19th C
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-painted with a pastoral landscape beneath a coat of arms, this Italian albarello jar from the 1800s has a beautiful cobalt blue and white palette. The heraldic cartouche depicts...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Paint
Majolica Dresser Box with Lid Horse Handle, Blue White Flowers, Italy
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage majolica ceramic round dresser box with lid features hand-painted abstract flowers and leaves decor on white background. The blue, teal, and brown colors of the flower decor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Rooster Yellow and Green Glazed Ceramic Pitcher, France, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching green and yellow Majolica ceramic rooster jug / pitcher, France, 1950s.
Handcrafted in yellow glazed ceramic with green accents.
A cool accent to any kitchen or to be us...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern 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
Late 20th Century French Hand-Painted Barbotine Ceramic Rooster from Normandy
Located in Dallas, TX
This large colorful Majolica rooster was crafted in Normandy, circa 1980. Hand painted in the blue, green and brown palette, the proud symbol of France stands tall on a green base. T...
Category
Late 20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, 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
Pair Italian Terracotta Ceramic Foo Dog Garden Seats, Stools or Side Table 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An outstanding pair of two Foo Dog statues in glazed and hand painted terracotta. Perfectly placed on a pedestal, lifelike and life-size representations...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
18th Century Italian Majolica Albarello Drug Jar by Jacques Boselly
By Jacques Boselly 1
Located in Milano, MI
A Neoclassical late 18th century polychrome decorated drug jar or Albarello signed by the Italian Savonese artist Boselli Giacomo 1744-1808, a rare blue, yellow and polychrome majolica antique vase for collectors.
The Italian Albarello...
Category
Late 18th Century European Neoclassical Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Monumental Sarreguemines Urn
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This impressively sized urn is marked on the bottom, “Sarreguemines/1906//H”, “Made in Germany” with the Lorraine Coat of Arms . Nicolas-Henri Jacobi along with his two partners esta...
Category
Early 1900s German Belle Époque Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Ceramic Majolica Italian Grey Hound Midcentury
Located in Rochester, NY
Majolica Italian grey hound. Mid-20th century.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Large 19th Century Majolica Vase with Birds 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 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
Matt White Glaze Majolica Sculpture with Hand Sculpted Peony, Italy 21st Century
Located in London, GB
Small ceramic sculptures with peony by Antonietta Mazzotti Emaldi, 2018, Glazed earthenware (majolica) and 24ct gold, entirely handmade, unique piece. Customisation available in terms of colour of both for base and flower.
Antonietta Mazzotti (Faenza, Italy 1950) 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 Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
Cantagalli Majolica Rectangular Ashtray or Tray, Italy 1940-1950
By Cantagalli
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage majolica ashtray or catchall tray features elegant rectangular shape with lightly scalloped and textured rim and hand painted abstract garlands decor. Graphic cobalt blue an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
Pair of French Majolica Rooster & Hen Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of French Majolica Rooster & Hen attributed to George Dreyfus Circa 1890.
Hen : H / 8" ,5.5" by 3"
Rooster : H / 10" , 5.5" by 3"
Category
1890s French Rustic Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery
$2,500 / set
Rooster Green Glazed Ceramic Pitcher, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching green and brown Majolica ceramic rooster jug / pitcher, Spain, 1950s.
Andalusian ceramic decorative rooster shaped jug in shades ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
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
Majolica Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris, circa 1950
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica sealife platter Vallauris, circa 1950.
High relief of fish, seaweeds, lemon, starfish.
Nautical style.
Measure: 11" diameter.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
James Hadley Royal Worcester Rare Majolica Camel & Howdah
By James Hadley
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very rare and unusual antique Royal Worcester majolica pottery figure of a camel and howdah by renowned potter James Hadley (British, 1837-1903) and dated 22nd June 1870.
James H...
Category
1870s English Arts and Crafts Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Pottery
Mid-Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Ceramic Fruit Basket Centerpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a tabletop with this colorful, majolica basket composition. Crafted in France circa 1960, the centerpiece features a realistic assortment of fruits and vegetables in high re...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Pair of Majolica Palissy Vases with Mistletoe, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Palissy pair of small handled vases decorated with mistletoe, circa 1880.
The School of Paris was composed by makers as Victor Barbizet, Francois Maurice, Thomas Sergent, Georges pull...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Matte White Ceramic Vase with Gold Spheres, Contemporary Design, Made in Italy
By deBlona
Located in Recanati, IT
Contemporary ceramic vase in white, adorned with 19 ceramic spheres plated in 24-karat gold. The body of the vase features a matte finish that enhances its unique shape, giving the i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Plate
J. Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme Cobalt Box & Cover, Signed, English, ca. 1880
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Joseph Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme square shaped box and cover, glazed in cobalt blue, with relief molded flying cranes, flowering prunus branches, and squirrels, the cover bordered...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Jasba Color-block Vase, West German Pottery 1960s
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
Italian Faience 18th Century Majolica Riser with Annunciation
Located in Milano, MI
From Central Italy a 18th century Majolica Riser consisting of a flat circular dish with raised edge, resting on a base with a simple shape. The ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Folk Art Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Majolica Frog with Fan Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica frog with purple and pink fan signed Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Théodore Deck Attributed French Ormolu Mounted Majolica Tazza
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish and unusual French ormolu mounted majolica tazza molded with figures set within an abstract design border attributed to Theodore Deck (1823-1891) and believed to date ...
Category
1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
$883 Sale Price
55% Off
Fortunata Tuscany, Italy Majolica Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Savannah, GA
A large majolica sculptural centerpiece bowl by Fortunata of Tuscany, Italy with applied lobster and sea life.
20 ¾ inches wide by 18 inches deep by 6 ⅝ inches tall
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Brownfield Majolica Putti Figural Posy Vase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Brownfield Majolica posy holder which features a putti carrying a bunch of wheat. Stood beside a wicker basket. Colouration: green, cream, yellow, ...
Category
1870s Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Pair of Majolica Kingfisher and Lilies Vases Fives Lille, circa 1880
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant 19th century French Majolica pair of vases attributed to Fives Lille.
The vases are shaped like walls decorated on the front with kingfishers on branches, on the base mushro...
Category
1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Bauhaus Era Ceramic Bonsai Planter by Eva Zeisel Schramberg Art Deco Avantgarde
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exceptional Bauhaus era ceramic bonsai planter or cachepot was designed by the renowned designer Eva Zeisel and produced by the Schramberger Majolika Manufaktur (SMF) in Germany...
Category
1920s German Art Deco Vintage 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.
Read More
Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
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