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Majolica Decorative Objects

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Material: Majolica
Minton Majolica Two Handled Vase on Pedestal
Minton Majolica Two Handled Vase on Pedestal

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

French Pottery Majolica Tureen circa 1930
French Pottery Majolica Tureen circa 1930

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

Monumental Majolica Grecian Style Urn
Monumental Majolica Grecian Style Urn

Monumental Majolica Grecian Style Urn

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

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

Antique English Joseph Roth Majolica Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Antique English Joseph Roth Majolica Mantel Clock, 19th Century

Antique English Joseph Roth Majolica Mantel Clock, 19th Century

By Joseph Roth London

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A rare and stylish antique English majolica pottery cased mantel clock attributed to Joseph Roth, London. The clock is lavishly designed with relief moulded floral designs to a shaped four legged base with a the key wind clock...

Category

1880s English High Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

Blue Ceramic Potiche Centerpiece Vase Lid Majolica Hand Painted Deruta Italy
Blue Ceramic Potiche Centerpiece Vase Lid Majolica Hand Painted Deruta Italy

Blue Ceramic Potiche Centerpiece Vase Lid Majolica Hand Painted Deruta Italy

By deBlona

Located in Recanati, IT

Our elegant "Blue Parrots" potiche was handmade using the potter's wheel and then painted entirely by hand in Deruta, a town in central Italy that is among the most famous for majoli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern 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 19th Century English Majolica Duck Tureen William Brownfield
Rare 19th Century English Majolica Duck Tureen William Brownfield

Rare 19th Century English Majolica Duck Tureen William Brownfield

By William Brownfield

Located in Austin, TX

Rare 19th century English Majolica duck on nest tureen attributed to William Brownfield. The duck is brown, green and grey, the interior of the tureen is aqua turquoise like several...

Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery

TIC for Raymor Majolica Textured Fritte Glaze Bowl, Italy 1960s
TIC for Raymor Majolica Textured Fritte Glaze Bowl, Italy 1960s

TIC for Raymor Majolica Textured Fritte Glaze Bowl, Italy 1960s

By Bitossi, Raymor

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Unusual majolica bowl or catchall features wavy, gently manipulated rim, juxtaposed with complex textured Fritte glaze on the bottom of the bowl. The contrast between glossy, organi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Organic Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta, Majolica

Vintage Tuscan Hand Painted Majolica Jug Vase Garniture Set Signed Leona Italia
Vintage Tuscan Hand Painted Majolica Jug Vase Garniture Set Signed Leona Italia

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

Italian Albarello Jar, hand painted Italian Jug, Majolica
Italian Albarello Jar, hand painted Italian Jug, Majolica

Italian Albarello Jar, hand painted Italian Jug, Majolica

Located in Bradenton, FL

An impressively formed antique hand painted Italian Faenza Majolica ceramic vessel. Made in the early 1900s. The jug is decorated with colorful floral ...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Antique French Patinated Bronze Majolica Sculpture Female Pedestal F.A. Gadaix
Antique French Patinated Bronze Majolica Sculpture Female Pedestal F.A. Gadaix

Antique French Patinated Bronze Majolica Sculpture Female Pedestal F.A. Gadaix

By Jean-Antoine Houdon

Located in London, GB

Antique French Patinated Bronze Majolica Sculpture Female Pedestal F.A. Gadaix French, c. 1900 Sculpture: Height 130cm, diameter 36cm Pedestal: Height 89cm, diameter 63cm Overall: H...

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Centerpiece / Centrepiece, Bowl, Majolica, Eichwald, Art Deco, 1920, Bohemia
Centerpiece / Centrepiece, Bowl, Majolica, Eichwald, Art Deco, 1920, Bohemia

Centerpiece / Centrepiece, Bowl, Majolica, Eichwald, Art Deco, 1920, Bohemia

By Eichwald

Located in Wien, AT

Huge pure Art Deco Centerpiece from the famous manufacturer Eichwald. This exceptional piece is an example of pure art deco art. The structure consists of a square base with roun...

Category

1920s Czech Art Deco Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, 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

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

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

French Majolica Elephant
French Majolica Elephant

French Majolica Elephant

Located in New York, NY

From Normandy, rare extra-large Bavent French Majolica elephant. White glaze finish, two-tone brown woven blanket and ceremonial basket. This charmin...

Category

20th Century French Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Majolica Centerpiece with Tritons and Shell, 19th Century
Majolica Centerpiece with Tritons and Shell, 19th Century

Majolica Centerpiece with Tritons and Shell, 19th Century

Located in NICE, FR

This decorative majolica centerpiece features two young tritons supporting a large shell compote. The piece is crafted with impressive attention to detail: the shell’s textured surfa...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Late Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Pair Italian Yellow Faience Majolica Lidded Urns
Pair Italian Yellow Faience Majolica Lidded Urns

Pair Italian Yellow Faience Majolica Lidded Urns

Located in New York, NY

Pair Italian yellow faience majolica lidded urns. Striking pair of large scale baluster form urns in Levantino Albisola style with medallions depicting va...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Faience

Unique Ceramic Portret Buste, Girl with Blue Hair by Erwin Spuler 1930s, Germany
Unique Ceramic Portret Buste, Girl with Blue Hair by Erwin Spuler 1930s, Germany

Unique Ceramic Portret Buste, Girl with Blue Hair by Erwin Spuler 1930s, Germany

By Majolica Manufactory of Karlsruhe

Located in Antwerp, BE

Beautiful sculpture in brown earthenware modeled in the expression of a woman in polychrome glaze with blue hair, made in Germany, 1930s. Erwin Spuler (1906-1964), who initially studied at the School of Applied Arts in Stuttgart, studied with Georg Scholz...

Category

1930s German Art Deco Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica

Bill Stewart Set of Two Sculptural Vases or Vessels, American Art Studio Pottery
Bill Stewart Set of Two Sculptural Vases or Vessels, American Art Studio Pottery

Bill Stewart Set of Two Sculptural Vases or Vessels, American Art Studio Pottery

By Bill Stewart

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Two sculptural vases or vessels are free-formed by hand and glazed in complex, semi-gloss crackle glaze; matte graphite-colored glaze was used on the bottom parts of the vessels. Bo...

Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Terracotta

Majolica Parakeets Garniture Set Vases & Jardinière Sarreguemines, circa 1880
Majolica Parakeets Garniture Set Vases & Jardinière Sarreguemines, circa 1880

Majolica Parakeets Garniture Set Vases & Jardinière Sarreguemines, circa 1880

By Sarreguemines

Located in Austin, TX

Majolica Parakeets Garniture set with 2 vases and a jardinière planter signed Sarreguemines, circa 1880. Model 7122. Measures: Jardinière / Height 6.2", length 11" on 6". Vases / ...

Category

1880s European Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

Fortunata Tuscany, Italy Majolica Centerpiece Bowl
Fortunata Tuscany, Italy Majolica Centerpiece Bowl

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

Pair of Minton Majolica Spring Daffodil Vases
Pair of Minton Majolica Spring Daffodil Vases

Pair of Minton Majolica Spring Daffodil Vases

By Minton

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Pair of Minton Majolica vases which feature daffodils stood on bulb feet. Cobalt blue ground version. Colouration: cobalt blue, green, white, are predominant. The piece bears maker's...

Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Holdcroft Majolica Square Box and Cover
Holdcroft Majolica Square Box and Cover

Holdcroft Majolica Square Box and Cover

By Joseph Holdcroft

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Holdcroft Majolica square box and cover which features storks, squirrels, blossom and parrot feet. Coloration: cobalt blue, green, turquoise, are predomi...

Category

1880s English Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

19th Century Majolica White Dog Choisy Le Roi
19th Century Majolica White Dog Choisy Le Roi

19th Century Majolica White Dog Choisy Le Roi

By Choisy-le-Roi

Located in Austin, TX

Charming 19th century small majolica vase with white dog who look on a bucket signed Hippolyte Boulenger Choisy le Roi. At the end of 19th century, Choisy le roi was one of the most important ceramics...

Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Arts and Crafts Footed Goblet Vase by Schwaz, Austria
Arts and Crafts Footed Goblet Vase by Schwaz, Austria

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

Jerome Massier Fils Majolica Dog Spill Vase
Jerome Massier Fils Majolica Dog Spill Vase

Jerome Massier Fils Majolica Dog Spill Vase

By Jerome Massier Fils

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Jerome Massier Fils French Majolica vase which features a hunting dog stood in front of a tree trunk. Coloration: cream, brown, green, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks ...

Category

Early 1900s French Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Majolica George Jones Fox Serving Tray circa 1869
Majolica George Jones Fox Serving Tray circa 1869

Majolica George Jones Fox Serving Tray circa 1869

By George Jones

Located in Austin, TX

Elegant pink Majolica serving dish decorated with a three green vine leaves, the handle formed as a fox peering into the bowl with its tail appearing on the mottled underside signed ...

Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

George Jones Majolica Magnolia Cache Pot
George Jones Majolica Magnolia Cache Pot

George Jones Majolica Magnolia Cache Pot

By George Jones

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

George Jones Majolica cache pot which features magnolia blossom and two moths. Turquoise ground version. Colouration: turquoise, green, white, are predominant. Bears a pattern number...

Category

1870s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Minton Majolica Pigeon Centrepiece Bowl
Minton Majolica Pigeon Centrepiece Bowl

Minton Majolica Pigeon Centrepiece Bowl

By Minton

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Minton Majolica centrepiece bowl which features three pigeons perched on a leafy oak branch, supporting a large basketweave bowl on their fan tails. Bowl is decorated with oak leaves...

Category

1870s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Blue Ceramic Majolica Vase Vessel Decorative Butterflies Hand Painted Italy
Blue Ceramic Majolica Vase Vessel Decorative Butterflies Hand Painted Italy

Blue Ceramic Majolica Vase Vessel Decorative Butterflies Hand Painted Italy

By deBlona

Located in Recanati, IT

Of extraordinary beauty and unique charm, the blue butterfly has always been considered the bearer of wishes. According to ancient beliefs it has the power to make dreams come true. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Majolica

Jerome Massier Fils Majolica Hunting Dog Vase
Jerome Massier Fils Majolica Hunting Dog Vase

Jerome Massier Fils Majolica Hunting Dog Vase

By Jerome Massier

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Jerome Massier Fils Majolica figural vase which features a hunting dog stood in front of a tree trunk. Colouration: white, brown, green, are predominant. The piece bears an impressiv...

Category

Early 1900s Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Hand-painted Green Italian Majolica Dishes with Goldfish, 1950s
Hand-painted Green Italian Majolica Dishes with Goldfish, 1950s

Hand-painted Green Italian Majolica Dishes with Goldfish, 1950s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A cute yet stylish pair of Italian Majolica dishes or bowls for sweets, cookies, fruit etc. Each one hand-painted with diffrent goldfish motif upon an art deco style fluted dessin. ...

Category

1950s Italian Art Deco Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Ceramiche Daedalus Vietri Majolica Bud Vase, Italy Postmodern
Ceramiche Daedalus Vietri Majolica Bud Vase, Italy Postmodern

Ceramiche Daedalus Vietri Majolica Bud Vase, Italy Postmodern

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Playful bud vase is hand painted with bright and cheerful decor of houses, fruits, and flowers that wraps around the vase and creates a surrealistic landscape. The rim is defined wi...

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

Antique Barbotine Majolica Pot with Lid Organic Art Nouveau
Antique Barbotine Majolica Pot with Lid Organic Art Nouveau

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

An Art Nouveau Plums Design Majolica Amphora Vase
An Art Nouveau Plums Design Majolica Amphora Vase

An Art Nouveau Plums Design Majolica Amphora Vase

Located in New Orleans, LA

Large majolica Art Nouveau Bohemia vase in lovely shades of brown, plum and leaf green. Foliage and plum fruit decoration developing around the neck and the throat, and down to the b...

Category

1890s Czech Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Vintage 20th Century Majolica Style Monkey With Woven Basket Pedestal Bowls
Vintage 20th Century Majolica Style Monkey With Woven Basket Pedestal Bowls

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

Pair of Mid Century Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Urns
Pair of Mid Century Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Urns

Pair of Mid Century Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Urns

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Large pair of vintage Chinese urns handcrafted in terra cotta in classic form and decorated in a chic multi color drippy glaze.

Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Terracotta

Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Coral Pink Vase Vintage
Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Coral Pink Vase Vintage

Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Coral Pink Vase Vintage

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Mid-century modern ceramic vase was made in Italy for Americal importer. Its sleek and elegant form combines functional beauty and meticulous craftsmanship. The vase is finished wit...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

J. Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme Cobalt Box & Cover, Signed, English, ca. 1880
J. Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme Cobalt Box & Cover, Signed, English, ca. 1880

J. Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme Cobalt Box & Cover, Signed, English, ca. 1880

By Joseph Holdcroft

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

Majolica Earthenware Model of a Cat, Possibly William Brownfield
Majolica Earthenware Model of a Cat, Possibly William Brownfield

Majolica Earthenware Model of a Cat, Possibly William Brownfield

By William Brownfield

Located in Downingtown, PA

Majolica Model of a Cat, Earthenware with Majolica Glaze, Possibly William Brownfield, 19th Century The figure of a cat is modeled as an orange-brown cat with almost a mane. It is p...

Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica

French 1880s Barbotine Majolica Basket with High Relief Colorful Flowers
French 1880s Barbotine Majolica Basket with High Relief Colorful Flowers

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

Blue Ceramic Vase Butterflies 24 Kt Gold Luster Hand Painted Decorative Vessel
Blue Ceramic Vase Butterflies 24 Kt Gold Luster Hand Painted Decorative Vessel

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

French 19th Century Brown Majolica Lidded Jar with Moulded Floral Décor
French 19th Century Brown Majolica Lidded Jar with Moulded Floral Décor

French 19th Century Brown Majolica Lidded Jar with Moulded Floral Décor

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French brown Majolica lidded jar from the 19th century with green and white moulded floral décor. Born in France during the 19th century, this Majolica jar boasts a lovely brown gr...

Category

19th Century French Antique Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

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

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

Large Italian Majolica Tang Horse
Large Italian Majolica Tang Horse

Large Italian Majolica Tang Horse

By Ugo Zaccagnini

Located in Kilmarnock, VA

An extraordinary Italian Tang-style horse, arguably the most striking example I’ve had the pleasure to own. Monumental in scale and presence, it’s finished in a richly colored majoli...

Category

1950s Italian Tang Vintage Majolica Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica

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.