Two Pairs of Italian Maiolica Baskets, circa 1780

Assortment of 4 dishes with braided rim Antonio Ferretti Manufacture Lodi, circa 1770-1780 Maiolica polychrome decorated “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire). Measures: 14 x 10 in (35.5 x 25.5 cm); 12.2 x 8.39 in (31 x 21.3 cm); 10.4 x 9.65 in (26.5 x 24.5 cm); 10.8 x 9.61 in (27.5 x 24.4 cm). Weight: 4.4 lb (1.998 kg) State of conservation: some chips due to use on the edges and on the parts in relief. The four different dishes have a foot with a low lip from which extends a wide, flat, slanted rim resembling a basket weave. The small handles are painted green: they resemble wickerwork in the two oval dishes and take the form of a sinuous branch in the round ones. The third fire decoration is inspired by the naturalistic floral botanical patterns on the ceramics produced by the Hannong family in Strasbourg. Here the pattern is defined by the rapidity and subtlety of the brushstrokes and the result is particularly tasteful, characterized by compositional intelligence and pictorial expertise. A main corolla, either a wild or garden rose, is set slightly off center in each well. From this extends a thin stem holding a small secondary bud and there are small field florets dotting the composition to lend volume to the delicate bunch of flowers. On the brim, small polychrome flowers add color to the weave, accompanied by lanceolate leaves of a very intense green. There exist few and very rare examples for comparison with this morphology: a round plate - entirely consistent with those in question - has been dated to around 1775 (S. Levy, Maioliche settecentesche lombarde e venete, Milano 1962, tav. 200). Two other dishes with a basket rim, but with parallel striped brim decoration, were exhibited in the 1995 exhibition on Lodi ceramics; the attribution to the Lombard town near Milan is therefore almost exclusively derived from the decoration called "alla rosa contornata" or "alla vecchia Lodi" and constitutes one of the most popular decorations during the eighteenth century. (M. L. Gelmini, in Maioliche lodigiane del '700 (cat. mostra Lodi), Milano 1995, pp. 31 p. 162-163 nn. 181-182). This decorative choice represented a strong point of the Lodi factory, which established itself thanks to the vivid nature of the colors made possible by the introduction of a new technique perfected by Paul Hannong in Strasbourg and which Antonio Ferretti introduced in Italy. This production process, called “piccolo fuoco” (third fire), allowed the use of a greater number of colors than in the past; in particular, the purple of Cassius, a red made from gold chloride, was introduced. Its use allowed for many more tones and shades, from pink to purple. The Ferretti family had started their Maiolica manufacturing business in Lodi in 1725. The forefather Simpliciano had started the business by purchasing an ancient furnace in 1725 and, indeed, we have evidence of the full activity of the furnaces from April of the same year (Novasconi-Ferrari-Corvi, 1964, p. 26 n. 4). Simpliciano had started a production of excellence also thanks to the ownership of clay quarries in Stradella, not far from Pavia. The production was so successful that in 1726 a decree of the Turin Chamber came to prohibit the importation of foreign ceramics, especially from Lodi, to protect internal production (G. Lise, La ceramica a Lodi, Lodi 1981, p. 59). In its initial stages, the manufacture produced maolicas painted with the “a gran fuoco” (double fire) technique, often in turquoise monochrome, with ornamentation derived from compositional modules in vogue in Rouen in France. This was also thanks to the collaboration of painters like Giorgio Giacinto Rossetti, who placed his name on the best specimens next to the initials of the factory. In 1748 Simpliciano made his will (Gelmini, 1995, p. 30) appointing his son Giuseppe Antonio (known as Antonio) as universal heir. After 1750, when Simpliciano passed away, Antonio was directly involved in the Maiolica factory, increasing its fortunes and achieving a reputation on a European level. Particularly important was the aforementioned introduction in 1760 of the innovative “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire) processing, which, expanding the ornamental repertoire with Saxon-inspired floral themes, could commercially compete with the German porcelains that had one of its most renowned offerings in the naturalistic Deutsche Blumen. Antonio Ferretti understood and promoted this technique and this decoration, proposing it in a fresher and more corrective version, less linked to botanical tables...

Assortment of bottle and glass coolers in Maiolica. Pasquale Rubati manufacture Milan, circa 1770 Maiolica polychrome decorated “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire) a - Bottle cooler 5.91 in x 5.91 in diameter (15 x 15 cm ) Weight: 1.86 lb (845 g) b - Bottle cooler 6.89 x 7.87 in diameter (17,5 x 20 cm) Weight: 2.09 lb (948 g) c - Pair of glass-cooler vases 3.94 x 3.94 in diameter (10 x 10 cm) Weight: 1.43 lb (650 g) Good state of conservation: a - some chipping from use on the edge; a - two fêlures covered on the edge; c - one has deep chippings on the edge and the other a subtle fêlure. Two Majolica factories were active in Milan in the 18th century. The first, starting from 1745, was owned by Felice Clerici; the other one by Pasquale Rubati from 1756. Rubati was in competition with Felice, whose worker he had been prior to opening his own workshop. On his death in 1796, the business was continued for a few more years by his son Carlo. Recent studies have recognized Pasquale Rubati's contribution as the creator of "Strasbourg-style" decorations with their particularly joyful depictions. This style had previously been attributed to the Lodi manufacturers. These works here, however, are a clear example of this production. The Majolica containers have different sizes, a cylindrical shape and rest on a low foot ring. The two largest are completed by handles in the shape of a zoomorphic mask with wide open jaws, while the smaller ones have handles applied with an anthropomorphic mask. All the works are characterized by elegant floral decoration. The two twin glass coolers show bunches of flowers centered around a main corolla, a rose or a peony paired...

Two maiolica flower pots Antonio Ferretti Manufacture Lodi, Circa 1770 - 1780 Maiolica polychrome decorated “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire) The...

Maiolica tureen Antonio Ferretti Manufacture Lodi, Circa 1770 - 1780 Maiolica polychrome decorated “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire). It measures 9.06 in in height x 13.39 in x 9.84 i...

Decorated with butterflies, insects and cherries on the interior, with a yellow ground basket weaved decoration on the exterior.

This set of three creamware baskets was made by Wedgwood in England circa 1830. Each basket is beautifully crafted and slightly larger than the one before, creating a graceful, gradu...

A pretty pair of silver gilt mounted porcelain baskets. French 1st standard (0.950). Makers mark for 'E.P' on the base which is likely for Emile Puiforcat. The pierced open work side...

Set of Three Majolica Pieces, 19th & 20th Century, Floral Hand-Painted Designs Description: This beautiful set of three Majolica pieces, consisting of a sugar bowl, a plate, and a small dish, is a charming blend of 19th- and 20th-century craftsmanship. The hand-painted floral motifs, featuring red flowers intertwined with brown and green branches and leaves, create a rich, organic aesthetic. While two pieces date back to the 19th century, the small dish from the 20th century complements the set with its slightly deeper green glaze, adding a harmonious contrast to the ensemble. Key features include: Authentic Majolica Craftsmanship: Made from glazed ceramic, these pieces exemplify the vivid, glossy finishes and delicate relief work characteristic of Majolica pottery. Elegant Floral Decor: The intricately painted red flowers, accompanied by earthy brown branches and lush green leaves, lend a natural and timeless charm to each piece. Harmonious Color Palette: While each item features a unique glaze, the cohesive color scheme ensures they complement one another, making them ideal for display or functional use. Versatile Use: Perfect as a decorative set for a kitchen or dining room, these pieces can also serve a practical purpose—the sugar bowl for sweeteners, the plate for serving, and the dish for small delicacies. Antique Patina & Glossy Finish: The natural patina and high-gloss glaze highlight the rich colors and intricate detailing, making this set a beautiful collector's item. Historical Charm: Combining two 19th-century pieces with a 20th-century Majolica dish, this set is a wonderful representation of traditional European ceramic artistry. This Majolica set of three is more than just tableware—it is a testament to historic craftsmanship, offering both decorative appeal and everyday functionality. Whether displayed in a classic or rustic interior or used as part of a unique kitchen setting, it adds a touch of vintage elegance and timeless artistry. Keywords: 19th-century Majolica pottery, hand-painted floral ceramics, vintage Majolica sugar...