1880s Ceramics

FAPG 20247D John Bennett (1840-1907), New York Plaque with pink and blue phlox, circa 1881-1882 Earthenware, painted and glazed Measures: 14 7/8 in. diameter, 1 13/16 in. high Signed and inscribed (on the back): J B[monogram] ENNETT / E 24 NY. / MC [or] CM If the Herter Brothers was the most distinguished and successful cabinet making and decorating firm in New York in the 1870s-1880s, the transplanted Englishman John Bennett was probably the most gifted ceramicist working in New York in the Aesthetic period. (Bennett was included in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s landmark exhibition, In pursuit of beauty: Americans and the Aesthetic Movement, in 1986–87, and Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen’s chapter, “Aesthetic Forms in Ceramics and Glass,” pp. 216–19, significantly informs this essay). Born in England, the son of a potter who worked in the Staffordshire district, Bennett came under the influence of John Sparkes, head of London’s Lambeth School of Art. Soon thereafter, he was hired by Henry Doulton of the eponymous firm to teach artisans there the new art of underglaze faience decoration, which was part of a revival of the sixteenth-century interest in hand-painted ceramics. A number of Bennett’s works for Doulton were shown in the Doulton display at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, and the considerable success enjoyed by Bennett and Doulton from an American audience undoubtedly played an important role in Bennett’s decision to leave Doulton and England and set up shop in New York in 1877. By the next year, he had already established a studio in New York, where he produced his own pottery in the tradition of the Arts & Crafts innovators, William Morris and William De Morgan, and also taught classes at the new Society of Decorative Art to the growing band of women who had taken up china painting, both professionally and avocationally. Bennett’s pottery developed a very serious following among students and collectors, and was offered for sale at such leading retail establishments as Tiffany & Company in New York. Typically, his work was brilliantly colored, with carefully drawn naturalistic flowers against a monochromatic background. Bennett’s fully developed American work, particularly pieces of larger scale, is exceedingly rare, as he worked in New York only from 1877 to 1883, in which year he withdrew to a farm in rural West Orange, New Jersey, where his production continued on a limited basis. He remained listed as a ceramicist there until 1889. While in New York City, Bennett maintained a studio at 412 East 24th Street. The present charger, boldly featuring pink and blue phlox, is signed by Bennett, and is inscribed “E 24 NY,” indicating its manufacture during Bennett’s time in New York. Although it is not dated, this piece is closely related stylistically to various dated pieces from 1881–82, which would place its production toward the end of Bennett’s New York years. Although we do not know whether Bennett worked out of this 24th Street studio from the outset, he was indeed working there by 1879 when he made (and signed, inscribed, and dated) a charger with white and red flowers now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, which specifically points to “412 East 24 / NY” (acc. no. 1998.317). Additionally, the U.S. Census of 1880 lists Bennett as a ceramicist located at that same address, married to Mary Bennett with whom he had had six children. There are several other examples from Bennett’s time in New York City, which also give his studio address on East 24th Street, including a covered jar in cadmium yellow with indigo and green flowers made in 1881; an undated footed vase with lilac...

Rare B&G (Bing & Grondahl) large biscuit plate by Thorvaldsen, 1880s. In perfect condition, 1st. factory quality. Measures 29 cm.

Majolica Pansy Plate Choisy le Roi, circa 1880

Majolica Sweet Pea Plate Choisy le Roi, circa 1880.

A scarce and unusual Japanese Meiji period Sumida Gawa pottery character jug by renowned potter Inoue Ryosai I (Japanese, 1828 – 1899) dating from the 19th century. Inoue Ryosai ...

Art Deco Antique Majolica Rörstrand Sweden 1880s A small majolica basket for some candy or nuts Beautiful piece for decoration Inside is typical for majolica turquoise colour D 1...

Antique Wedgwood & Sons Etruria, Japanese Subject Tiles, England, c. 1875, molded maker's marks, tiles 8 x 8, frames 9 1/4 x 9 1/4 in. The identified items...

A lovely set of 2 antique ceramic barbobine serving bowls. The bowls are very decorative. They are both in good condition. No chips and no hairlines. Dimensions: 11 (h) x 22 x 20 ...

A very unusual Aesthetic Movement art pottery silver mounted mug modeled in relief with thirteen grotesque faces and dating from around 1880. The finely...

Majolica leave shape plate , circa 1890.

Small 19th century Majolica Palissy wicker boat with a fish, very fine quality, the boat is decorated with leaves and moss.

Rare small Palissy platter with frog, shells, butterfly and plants, circa 1880 signed Thomas Sergent.

This enamelled ornamental dish with neo-Renaissance decoration was made by Théophile Soyer in 1880. The son of enameller Paul Soyer, Théophile Soyer attended the École des Beaux-Ar...

1880s stone China platter.

Large Majolica asparagus plate signed Keller et Guerin Luneville, circa 1880. This plate exist in different colors and sizes.

Etruscan majolica dogwood pitcher in bark and vibrant navy with butterfly lip manufactured by Griffen, Smith and Hill of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, ...

A rare and unusual Maw & Co, Jackfield, English majolica aesthetic movement art pottery plaque decorated with a chariot attributed to designer Walter Cran...

19th century French blue and white faience dinner plate signed "Francois" Sarreguemines.

Sarreguemines, Majolica large character jug. Smallest of the three types made, France, circa 1880. For over 28 years we have been among the Nation’s pre...

Antique Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Etruria Tile, C. 1880, tile depicting Mercury and Venus, Wedgwood, c. 1880, molded marker's mark, tile 8" x 8", frame 10" x 10".

A naturalist Majolica jardinière with different kind of leaves, large ferns leaves, a branch on the front and a nest with birds threatened by a snake signed Johann Maresch (1821-1914...

Unusual 19th century majolica asparagus plates with large green cabbages leaves on a yellow background (usually on blue background), very colorful plates...

19th Century French blue and white faience dinner plate signed "Francois" Sarreguemines.  

19th century French blue and white faience soup plate signed "Francois" Sarreguemines.

Gorgeous Majolica by Griffen, Smith & Hill Etruscan Majolica large pitcher in shell and seaweed pattern. This pitcher is an unusually sought after s...

A Rare Victoria Pottery Company Majolica Sardine Box with five sardines on green glazed lotus pads and other foliage, trimmed in yellow bamboo with green shoots, the body and integra...

19th Century French pottery pitcher. Pottery from Normandy.  

Unusual 19th century majolica asparagus plates with large green cabbages leaves on a yellow background (usually on blue background), very colorful plates made by the Manufacture of Creil and Montereau...

Unusual 19th century majolica asparagus plates with large green cabbages leaves on a yellow background (usually on blue background), very colorful plates made by the Manufacture of Creil and Montereau...

Large 19th century French pottery vase with grapes. Pottery from North of France Normandy. Measures: H 8.8” / D 8.4”.

19th Century French pottery pitcher. Pottery from Normandy.  

A very stylish antique Doulton Lambeth art pottery jug decorated with floral and leaf designs by Emma Marriott and dating from circa 1885. The ...

This pair of majolia shelves with vase is beautiful and refined. Characterized by a rich decoration and bright colors of baroque taste typical of Sicilian production in southern Ital...

An unusual large Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth jug decorated with dancing cherubs by Mary Aitken and assisted by Harriette Knight dated 1883. ...

Majolica strawberries plate signed Sarreguemines, circa 1880.  

Unusual 19th century majolica asparagus plates with large green cabbages leaves on a yellow background (usually on blue background), very colorful plates...

French Majolica asparagus platter Salins, circa 1880. Decorated with ferns.

Very rare Majolica oyster basket server signed Hippolyte Boulenger Choisy Le roi, circa 1880. The handle is a branch who form a knot on the top, between the six yellow and purple oy...

Rare complete 19th French pottery tobacco jar inspired by the Renaissance with medallions with his two pewter lids. Pottery from North of France No...

Elegant large Victorian Majolica pitcher inspired by the Japon decorated with flowers, a large fan, a flag on pastel tones, end of the 19th century / England.

Aqua Majolica asparagus saucer from Luneville, circa 1880.

A scarce Burmantofts Faience Bacchanalian tile of rectangular form modelled in relief with figures with a goat set within a raised stepped edge and decorated in burgundy glazes. Inci...

A scarce Burmantofts Faience Bacchanalian tile of rectangular form modelled in relief with figures attending to a resting man set within a raised stepped edge and decorated in green ...

A scarce Burmantofts Faience Bacchanalian tile of rectangular form modelled in relief with figures gathering grapes, some at play, set within a raised stepped edge and decorated in m...

Sarreguemines Majolica Smoking Stand, molded and applied with an artiste de rue with his dog, and holding a wine bottle with an overturned wine glass below; the humidor formed as a c...

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...

Griffin, Smith & Hill, c.1880s, majolica pansy butter pat. Multi-colored, stamp GSH. Light crazing & rubbing. 2 7/8" dia. Whitehall Antiques is a family business that has been a maj...

Antique Majolica cobalt wild rose bread tray, English, circa 1880 in highly desirable cobalt coloration, 13in. For over 28 years we have been among the Nation’s preeminent specialist...

with rococo panel and hand-painted flower spray in the oriental style (c 1880) Handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant coloured Emameld flowers details. ...

This is a very rare China tennis tea set by George Jones & Sons. The set comprises of a tea pot, three cups with saucers, a sugar bowl and a milk jug. E...

J. Roth London Majolica Taza, with Greek key boarder in pink on cobalt blue, with green leaf and ferns and wild roses, English, circa 1880, on a footed circular base, incised monogra...

HALF OFF! This is a great looking work of art - a "Serves" Ceramic Porcelain Charger made by the artists Belet & Milet ( top "Serves" artist and Marked as made in 1881. It featu...

This large blue and white bowl Is covered with wonderful ornaments in the fashionable Japonism taste of the 1880's and 1890's. The earthenware bowl carries as makers mark an Impresse...

A rare 19th century French earthenware cake or baking from Soufflenheim in the Alsace region, circa 1880s. In the shape of a lobster or crayfish, this Alsatian mold symbolizes fertil...

A decorative pair of 19th century Chinese famile rose vases depicting various Chinese scenes and various birds and foliage, each vase decorated with a single gilded raised dragon, st...

Pair of 19th century Royal Worcester Eastern water carriers.