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Majolica Furniture

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Material: Majolica
French Majolica Oyster Plate Salins, circa 1890
French Majolica Oyster Plate Salins, circa 1890

French Majolica Oyster Plate Salins, circa 1890

By Salins

Located in Austin, TX

French Majolica oyster plate with bamboo and berries from the manufacture of Salins, circa 1890.

Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1900
French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1900

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1900

By Sarreguemines

Located in Austin, TX

French aqua turquoise Majolica oyster plate signed Sarreguemines Majolica, circa 1900. 6 shells and space for the lemon on the center.

Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

19th French Majolica Palissy Fish Wall Platter
19th French Majolica Palissy Fish Wall Platter

19th French Majolica Palissy Fish Wall Platter

Located in Austin, TX

19th French Majolica Palissy Fish Wall Platter Decorated with a fish , ferns , lizard,shells and crawfish. 12.2 by 8.2 inches.

Category

1890s French Rustic Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Majolica Seaweeds Oyster Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890
Majolica Seaweeds Oyster Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890

Majolica Seaweeds Oyster Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890

By Saint-Clément

Located in Austin, TX

Majolica oyster plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890. Reference / page 98 "Collecting oyster plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.

Category

1890s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

5 Light Italian Gilt, Ceramic Rose Flower Tole Chandelier Hollywood Regency 1940
5 Light Italian Gilt, Ceramic Rose Flower Tole Chandelier Hollywood Regency 1940

5 Light Italian Gilt, Ceramic Rose Flower Tole Chandelier Hollywood Regency 1940

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Add a touch of Italian opulence to your home with this charming chandelier! Perfect flowers, made of Majolica, to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an...

Category

1940s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Majolica Oyster Platter Orchies, circa 1900
French Majolica Oyster Platter Orchies, circa 1900

French Majolica Oyster Platter Orchies, circa 1900

By Orchies

Located in Austin, TX

Large French majolica oyster platter with handle Orchies, circa 1900.

Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910
20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910

20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910

By Gerbing & Stephan

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

Remarkable, rare Art Nouveau majolica vase by the world famous manufactory of Gerbing & Stephan from the early period in Austria around 1910. The beautiful shaped grey blue color...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Vallauris Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Oxblood Faience, France, 1950s
Vallauris Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Oxblood Faience, France, 1950s

Vallauris Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Oxblood Faience, France, 1950s

By Vallauris

Located in Valencia, VC

Large Vallauris Hand-Made Faience Ceramic Centerpiece, France, 1950s An absolutely stunning large ceramic fruit bowl or centerpiece, featuring an intricate sculptural body in rich o...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Antique French Onnaing Majolica Pumpkin Cachepot Jardiniere Planter, circa 1880
Antique French Onnaing Majolica Pumpkin Cachepot Jardiniere Planter, circa 1880

Antique French Onnaing Majolica Pumpkin Cachepot Jardiniere Planter, circa 1880

By Onnaing

Located in Pearland, TX

A gorgeous antique French Onnaing majolica pumpkin cachepot / jardiniere / planter, circa 1880. Maker's mark on reverse. This fine jardiniere is a nice large size decorated with vibr...

Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

French Majolica Oyster Plate Orchies, circa 1900
French Majolica Oyster Plate Orchies, circa 1900

French Majolica Oyster Plate Orchies, circa 1900

By Orchies

Located in Austin, TX

French Majolica oyster plate Orchies, circa 1900.

Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

French Majolica Oyster Plate Orchies, circa 1900
French Majolica Oyster Plate Orchies, circa 1900

French Majolica Oyster Plate Orchies, circa 1900

By Orchies

Located in Austin, TX

French Majolica oyster plate Orchies, circa 1900.

Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

French Gien Turquoise Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1950
French Gien Turquoise Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1950

French Gien Turquoise Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1950

By Gien

Located in Pearland, TX

A gorgeous Mid-Century French Gien turquoise aqua blue-green glazed oyster plate, fluted at the edges. Area of the Loire Valley, circa 1950. Maker's mark on reverse. It displays beau...

Category

1950s French Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Set of 12 Majolica Oyster Plates with Matching Server, 19th Century
Set of 12 Majolica Oyster Plates with Matching Server, 19th Century

Set of 12 Majolica Oyster Plates with Matching Server, 19th Century

By Longchamp

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This striking set comprises twelve majolica oyster plates and one large matching serving platter, beautifully crafted in the style of Longchamp, France. Each plate features a vivid g...

Category

19th Century French Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Faience, Ceramic, Majolica

Portuguese Majolica Palissy Pears Platter Circa 1930
Portuguese Majolica Palissy Pears Platter Circa 1930

Portuguese Majolica Palissy Pears Platter Circa 1930

Located in Austin, TX

Portuguese Majolica pears platter signed , circa 1930.

Category

1930s Portuguese Country Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

French Gien Turquoise Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1950
French Gien Turquoise Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1950

French Gien Turquoise Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1950

By Gien

Located in Pearland, TX

A gorgeous Mid-Century French Gien turquoise aqua blue-green glazed oyster plate, fluted at the edges. Area of the Loire Valley, circa 1950. Maker's mark on reverse. It displays beau...

Category

1950s French Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Small French Majolica Swan Jardiniere Circa 1890
Small French Majolica Swan Jardiniere Circa 1890

Small French Majolica Swan Jardiniere Circa 1890

Located in Austin, TX

Small French Majolica Swan Jardiniere Circa 1890. Height / 4 inches. Lenght / 5.2 by 2.5 inches.

Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

French Majolica Oyster Plate Salins, circa 1890
French Majolica Oyster Plate Salins, circa 1890

French Majolica Oyster Plate Salins, circa 1890

By Salins

Located in Austin, TX

French Majolica oyster plate with seaweeds Salins (East of France) circa 1890.  

Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Vallauris Yellow White Brown Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s
Vallauris Yellow White Brown Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl / Ashtray, 1950s

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 Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves Cache Pots Luneville Circa 1890
Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves Cache Pots Luneville Circa 1890

Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves Cache Pots Luneville Circa 1890

Located in Austin, TX

Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves signed Luneville Cache Pots Circa 1890, H / 7 inches , D / 9 inches by 7 inches.

Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Art Nouveau Faience Handled Vase with Drip Glaze, Belgium
Art Nouveau Faience Handled Vase with Drip Glaze, Belgium

Art Nouveau Faience Handled Vase with Drip Glaze, Belgium

By Denbac, Wasmuel Majolica, Thulin

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Striking large ceramic vase features the organic, rounded shape with 3 curved, free-flowing decorative handles. It is decorated in characteristic Belgian Art Nouveau style with the u...

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery

Large French Majolica Bulldog Wall Platter Circa 1890
Large French Majolica Bulldog Wall Platter Circa 1890

Large French Majolica Bulldog Wall Platter Circa 1890

Located in Austin, TX

Large French Majolica Bulldog Wall Platter Circa 1890. Diameter / 11.3 inches.

Category

1890s French Rustic Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

1900s David Zipirovic Deruta Renaissance Revival Majolica Parade Plate
1900s David Zipirovic Deruta Renaissance Revival Majolica Parade Plate

1900s David Zipirovic Deruta Renaissance Revival Majolica Parade Plate

By Deruta

Located in Brescia, IT

Parade Plate David Zipirovic Deruta Italy, Early 1900 Painted Majolica Zipirovic Graphic Symbol under the plate Perfect Condiction Must have for your majolica collection David Zip...

Category

Early 1900s Italian Renaissance Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

19th Century Majolica Porcelain Flounder Fish Wall Platter
19th Century Majolica Porcelain Flounder Fish Wall Platter

19th Century Majolica Porcelain Flounder Fish Wall Platter

Located in Austin, TX

Rare 19th Century Majolica Porcelain Palissy Flounder Fish Wall Platter. 8.2 inches diameter.

Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain

Midcentury Ceramic Fish Plates Wall Composition / Wall Decoration
Midcentury Ceramic Fish Plates Wall Composition / Wall Decoration

Midcentury Ceramic Fish Plates Wall Composition / Wall Decoration

Set of Midcentury multi color fish Plates and Platters as Wall Decoration A funny collection of eleven european glazed ceramic, porcelain and...

Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Porcelain, Terracotta

Large Handled 19th Century French Majolica Flowers Vase
Large Handled 19th Century French Majolica Flowers Vase

Large Handled 19th Century French Majolica Flowers Vase

Located in Austin, TX

Large 19th Century French Majolica Flowers Vase, Impressionist period and style. 22 inches Height.  

Category

1880s French Country Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

French Art Nouveau Majolica Planter Jardiniere by Hector Guimard Barbotine
French Art Nouveau Majolica Planter Jardiniere by Hector Guimard Barbotine

French Art Nouveau Majolica Planter Jardiniere by Hector Guimard Barbotine

By Hector Guimard, Gustave De Bruyn

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

Hector Guimard was a renowned French architect and designer who is best known for his Art Nouveau style. He was born in Lyon in 1867 and later moved to Paris, where he became a promi...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Antique Onnaing Majolica Love Birds Parakeets Jardiniere Cachepot, Circa 1880
Antique Onnaing Majolica Love Birds Parakeets Jardiniere Cachepot, Circa 1880

Antique Onnaing Majolica Love Birds Parakeets Jardiniere Cachepot, Circa 1880

By Onnaing

Located in Pearland, TX

A gorgeous antique French Onnaing majolica barbotine love birds parakeets cachepot / jardiniere / planter, circa 1880. Maker's mark on reverse. This fine jardiniere is a nice large s...

Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Antique French Majolica Pitcher by La Faïencerie d'Onnaing
Antique French Majolica Pitcher by La Faïencerie d'Onnaing

Antique French Majolica Pitcher by La Faïencerie d'Onnaing

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Antique French Majolica barbotine pitcher produced by La Faïencerie d'Onnaing in the late 19th or early 20th century. These pitchers, also called pichets or canettes, are known for t...

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Pink Cabbage Glazed Ceramic Small Tureen or Bowl, Portugal, 1960s
Pink Cabbage Glazed Ceramic Small Tureen or Bowl, Portugal, 1960s

Pink Cabbage Glazed Ceramic Small Tureen or Bowl, Portugal, 1960s

By Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro

Located in Barcelona, ES

A lovely hand painted Majolica ceramic pink cabbage small tureen, sugar bowl or sauceboat with lid. Manufactured by Bordallo Pinheiro. Portugal, 1960s This eye-catching small cabbage tureen...

Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic

Bitossi Large Ceramic Vase by Aldo Londi, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Bitossi Large Ceramic Vase by Aldo Londi, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

Bitossi Large Ceramic Vase by Aldo Londi, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Valencia, VC

Rare Bitossi for Ceramiche Paoli Large Vase – Mid-Century Neolithic-Inspired Design A striking example of Aldo Londi’s masterful work, this large ceramic vase embodies the timeless influence of Neolithic utility pottery, reinterpreted through Bitossi’s signature craftsmanship. Featuring the iconic sgraffito hand decor, inspired by Etruscan ceramics, this piece is part of the Sahara line, distinguished by its earthy, textured aesthetic. Unlike the standard Bitossi Sahara...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica, Stoneware

Figural Majolica Erphila Dachshund Dog Teapot c.1920-1940 Made in Germany
Figural Majolica Erphila Dachshund Dog Teapot c.1920-1940 Made in Germany

Figural Majolica Erphila Dachshund Dog Teapot c.1920-1940 Made in Germany

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Whimsical German Erphila Figural Daschund Teapot. Has typical crazing to the high gloss finish, no chips, cracks or repairs.

Category

20th Century German Art Deco Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

19th Century Majolica Palissy Fishs Heads Oyster Plate
19th Century Majolica Palissy Fishs Heads Oyster Plate

19th Century Majolica Palissy Fishs Heads Oyster Plate

By Thomas Victor Sergent

Located in Austin, TX

A very rare Palissy oyster plate or platter who represents twelve fish heads shells, circa 1880. Attribution to the School of Paris, a French group of ceramists inspired by Bernard P...

Category

1880s French Renaissance Revival Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

19th Century Majolica Aqua Shell Oyster Platter Sarreguemines
19th Century Majolica Aqua Shell Oyster Platter Sarreguemines

19th Century Majolica Aqua Shell Oyster Platter Sarreguemines

By Sarreguemines

Located in Austin, TX

Oversize 19th Century Majolica turquoise aqua oyster platter signed Sarreguemines. The platter have 12 shells between rope pattern and seaweeds.  

Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Ceramic Fish Shaped Snack Cocktail Serving Tray / Wall Decoration, 1950s
Ceramic Fish Shaped Snack Cocktail Serving Tray / Wall Decoration, 1950s

Ceramic Fish Shaped Snack Cocktail Serving Tray / Wall Decoration, 1950s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Large glazed ceramic amber and black fish platter / wall plate, Spain, 1950s. The perfect serving piece for entertainment or party with four compartments. It can be hung on the wall ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

Antique Guatemalan Majolica Bowls
Antique Guatemalan Majolica Bowls

Antique Guatemalan Majolica Bowls

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These are sold separately. Please refer to which piece you are interested in at purchase. Early 20th c Majolica bowls from Guatemala. Great colors. Diameter varies from about 5.5 inc...

Category

Early 20th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien

19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien

By Gien

Located in Austin, TX

Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.

Category

1890s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

Majolica Stork Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Majolica Stork Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890

Majolica Stork Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890

By Delphin Massier

Located in Austin, TX

Elegant and rare Majolica stork with a bamboo vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels an...

Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Antique Blue Art Nouveau Vase Rococo Style 38cm
Antique Blue Art Nouveau Vase Rococo Style 38cm

Antique Blue Art Nouveau Vase Rococo Style 38cm

By Gustave De Bruyn

Located in Poperinge, BE

Ceramic vase made of majolica earthenware, elaborately decorated with a typical Art Nouveau design, featuring leaves, stems, and curves inspired by the rocaille or rococo style, circ...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Set of Six Majolica Glazed Asparagus Serving Plates
Set of Six Majolica Glazed Asparagus Serving Plates

Set of Six Majolica Glazed Asparagus Serving Plates

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

A charming set of six earthenware hand-painted square asparagus plates, with a pair of Majolica glazed asparagus tips at each of the four corners. In between, sprays of polychrome fl...

Category

Early 1900s French Country Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Porcelain

19th Century French Orchies Majolica Rabbit Pitcher
19th Century French Orchies Majolica Rabbit Pitcher

19th Century French Orchies Majolica Rabbit Pitcher

By Orchies

Located in Pearland, TX

A rare French majolica barbotine rabbit pitcher by Orchies, circa 1890. Model number LP2 on reverse. This highly collectible pitcher is depicted as a wh...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris
Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris

Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris

By Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

Large oval Majolica Palissy wall platter Vallauris, circa 1950. Large fishes, lobster, seaweeds, shells. From Provence. Measures: Length / 22.5 inches on 9 inches, height / 2.5 inche...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Majolica Frog with Mandolin Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Majolica Frog with Mandolin Delphin Massier, circa 1900

Majolica Frog with Mandolin Delphin Massier, circa 1900

By Delphin Massier

Located in Austin, TX

Art Nouveau Majolica frog who playing mandolin signed Delphin Massier circa 1900. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings.

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris
Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris

Mid-Century Large Oval Majolica Palissy Fish & Lobster Platter Vallauris

By Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

Large oval Majolica Palissy wall platter Vallauris, circa 1950. Large fishes, lobster, seaweeds, tomato, garlic. From Provence, Mediterranean fishes. Length / 20 inches on 9 inches, ...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Vintage Set of French Majolica Fruit Plates by Saint-Clément
Vintage Set of French Majolica Fruit Plates by Saint-Clément

Vintage Set of French Majolica Fruit Plates by Saint-Clément

By Saint-Clément

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

A highly collectible set of eight Majolica fruit plates by the renowned French earthenware manufacturer Saint-Clément, founded by Jacques Chambrette in 1758 and a favoured supplier f...

Category

Early 20th Century French Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Fratelli Fanciullacci Majolica Vase with Floral Decor, Italy Mid Century
Fratelli Fanciullacci Majolica Vase with Floral Decor, Italy Mid Century

Fratelli Fanciullacci Majolica Vase with Floral Decor, Italy Mid Century

By Fratelli Fanciullacci

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Unusual vase with complex, slightly textured glaze features applied relief in shape of abstract flowers and leaves. Top and bottom parts of the vase are decorated with delicate gree...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

I.C.S. Majolica Plaque Mother and Child, Madonna, Italy 1927-1940
I.C.S. Majolica Plaque Mother and Child, Madonna, Italy 1927-1940

I.C.S. Majolica Plaque Mother and Child, Madonna, Italy 1927-1940

By Industria Ceramica Salernitana

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Charming vintage decorative plaque depicts mother and child, most possibly Madonna and Child, done in relief and decorated with majolica glazes. Teal and blue glazes, used for the dress and the headdress, contrast beautifully with burnt orange used as a background color. Abstract palm tree...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

Pair of 19th Century Etruscan Majolica Leaf Plates
Pair of 19th Century Etruscan Majolica Leaf Plates

Pair of 19th Century Etruscan Majolica Leaf Plates

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Highly collectable glazed Majolica plate in greens, yellow and pink. Wonderful ceramic pieces to add to current collection or create new grouping with this fantastic set.

Category

19th Century English Rustic Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century French Saint Clément Majolica Duck Mallard Pitcher
19th Century French Saint Clément Majolica Duck Mallard Pitcher

19th Century French Saint Clément Majolica Duck Mallard Pitcher

By Saint-Clément

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

An unusual and very quirky vintage Majolica barbotine water or wine pitcher in the shape of a mallard duck, made by Keller et Guérin's earthenware factory at Saint Clément, near Luné...

Category

19th Century French Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Faience, Majolica

Antique and Vintage Majolica Platters, Pottery and Other Furniture and Decor

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 majolica plates, pitchers, decorative objects and other pieces 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.