Antique Barbotine with Bronze Ormolu, LeFront, circa 1880

Produced by the French studio of Theodore Lefront, circa 1880, this antique barbotine vase features an oblong main body with brass mounts. The vase h...

This stunning lidded urn might have once been found in a 19th century Italian apothecary. The front of the shaped urn body has the hand-painted phrase “C. Violaru”, which is the heavily abbreviated form of the Latin word for violet (violaceum). Up until the mid-1700’s, apothecaries would make syrups from violets and use it to treat kidney ailments. Above the Latin wording is a whimsical musical scene with a man blowing a horn leading a couple who is holding hands over rocky terrain lined with shrubbery. A large house and trees can be seen behind the trio with a pair of mountains in the distance. On the opposite side of the urn is a floral display with a bird perched on a rock. Beneath the bird is a geometric design, possibly a stylized sun with radiating beams of light. Both scenes are segmented by a pair of thin quarter round moldings that encircle the entire vase. Other hand-painted motifs include floral and foliate margents, geometric patterns, and Vitruvian waves that are infilled with horizontal fluting. The sides of the urn have a fish-scale background beneath two mustachioed mascarons. Both men have been styled in grotesque fashion, with a pair of spiraled horns emanating from their heads. In between the horns is a looping handle that is affixed to the body in similar tight spirals. The domed lid has three scrolled arms that merge in a geometric finial. The base color of the urn is white, with illustrations in a monochromatic cobalt oxide blue, reminiscent of Delft blue pottery...

This fabulous Delft jar is painted with traditional deep cobalt blue on a tin-glazed ground. The jar has six panels, which alternate between flowers in a basket and ferns with scroll...

This hand-painted jar and cover from circa 1790 boasts beautiful Dutch Delft floral artwork. The intricate design features a stunning array of blooms and vines in deep and medium cobalt blue. The shoulders of the jar are adorned with lappets filled with flower heads, and its octagonal form is topped with a simple, deep blue knop. Dimensions: 12.75" tall x 6" at widest point x 4.75" across base Condition: Excellent with small edge frits invisibly restored Price: $1160 Background of Dutch Delft: The technique of making Delft was first described in writing by Gerrit Paape in "The Delft Pottery Maker," written in 1794 and dedicated to Lambertus Sanderus, the owner of De Porceleyne Claeuw (The Porcelain Claw). Delft faience began in the 17th century. Much of the most beautiful Delft was produced in the Dutch city...