Skip to main content

Majolica Furniture

to
141
1,068
612
1,575
133
7
271
213
153
63
53
27
23
17
14
10
3
2
2
1
1
41
850
684
140
254
297
28
115
13
39
39
10
64
22
6
8
4
1,718
369,653
306,464
215,814
155,448
1,552
771
353
185
167
1,715
1,647
1,690
78
62
61
58
53
Material: Majolica
Set of 5 Majolica Plates, France, 19th Century
Set of 5 Majolica Plates, France, 19th Century

Set of 5 Majolica Plates, France, 19th Century

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

A beautiful set of five antique French majolica plates, featuring an elegant relief design of vine leaves, grape clusters, and branches. Their rich palette of greens, browns, and cre...

Category

19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Victorian Majolica Jardiniere Renaissance Minton, circa 1876
Victorian Majolica Jardiniere Renaissance Minton, circa 1876

Victorian Majolica Jardiniere Renaissance Minton, circa 1876

By Minton

Located in Austin, TX

Classical style for this large Majolica jardiniere or table centre signed Minton and dated 1876 cherubs handles and masks on each side of Renaissance Revival. On the middle of 19th c...

Category

Late 19th Century English Renaissance Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

Pair of Large Majolica Staffordshire Style King Charles Spaniel Mantel Dogs
Pair of Large Majolica Staffordshire Style King Charles Spaniel Mantel Dogs

Pair of Large Majolica Staffordshire Style King Charles Spaniel Mantel Dogs

Located in Valencia, VC

A decorative pair of large majolica King Charles Spaniel dogs, crafted in glazed earthenware and dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950–1970. Modeled after the iconic Victorian ...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Victorian Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica

Antique French Sarreguemines Majolica Oyster Plate, Circa 1870
Antique French Sarreguemines Majolica Oyster Plate, Circa 1870

Antique French Sarreguemines Majolica Oyster Plate, Circa 1870

By Sarreguemines

Located in Pearland, TX

A gorgeous antique French Sarreguemines majolica oyster plate, circa 1870. Maker's mark and model number on reverse (this is an older model). It displays beautifully with vibrant col...

Category

1870s French Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Mid-Century Majolica Palissy Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris
Mid-Century Majolica Palissy Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris

Mid-Century Majolica Palissy Fish Sealife Platter Vallauris

By Vallauris

Located in Austin, TX

Mid-Century Majolica fish platter Vallauris. Large fish in the center, seaweeds, shells. Nautical style. 14' W , 9.8' H  

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Holdcroft Majolica Pond Lily Cheese Dome And Stand
Holdcroft Majolica Pond Lily Cheese Dome And Stand

Holdcroft Majolica Pond Lily Cheese Dome And Stand

By Joseph Holdcroft

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

Holdcroft Majolica cheese keep which features fern fronds, and pond lily leaves and flowers. Colouration: green, white, brown, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks for the ...

Category

1880s Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement
19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement

19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement

By Saint-Clément

Located in Austin, TX

19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement ( Lorraine ) Model created for the universal exhibition of 1878.

Category

1870s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Faience

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Longchamp
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Longchamp

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Longchamp

By Longchamp

Located in Austin, TX

Green Majolica oyster plate, six white wells on a green basket weave, circa 1890 signed Longchamp.

Category

1890s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870
French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870

By Sarreguemines

Located in Austin, TX

French aqua turquoise Majolica oyster plate signed Sarreguemines Majolica, circa 1870. 6 shells and space for the lemon on the center.

Category

1870s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Pair of Petite French Majolica Barbotine Floral Cachepots Jardinieres, c. 1880
Pair of Petite French Majolica Barbotine Floral Cachepots Jardinieres, c. 1880

Pair of Petite French Majolica Barbotine Floral Cachepots Jardinieres, c. 1880

Located in Pearland, TX

A lovely petite pair of antique French majolica barbotine floral cachepots or jardinieres, circa 1880. Decorated with pink flowers in high relief surrounded by foliage on a dark gree...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Small Majolica Water Lily Pond Plate Wasmuel, circa 1890
Small Majolica Water Lily Pond Plate Wasmuel, circa 1890

Small Majolica Water Lily Pond Plate Wasmuel, circa 1890

By Wasmuel Majolica

Located in Austin, TX

Small Majolica water lily pond plate Wasmuel, circa 1890.6 inches diameter , 8 plates available.  

Category

1890s Belgian Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

19th Century Square Majolica Palissy Wall Fish Platter Longchamp
19th Century Square Majolica Palissy Wall Fish Platter Longchamp

19th Century Square Majolica Palissy Wall Fish Platter Longchamp

By Longchamp

Located in Austin, TX

19th Century Large French Majolica Palissy square platter signed Longchamp. Decorated with fishs, and 4 shells on the corners , bamboo border.

Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Vintage Italian Majolica Bowl of Lemons Centerpiece
Vintage Italian Majolica Bowl of Lemons Centerpiece

Vintage Italian Majolica Bowl of Lemons Centerpiece

Located in Pearland, TX

A lovely Mid-Century Italian majolica basket of lemons in a white latticework bowl. Marked "Made in Italy" on reverse. Freshen up your kitchen or breakfast room decor with this charm...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1890
French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1890

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1890

By Sarreguemines

Located in Austin, TX

French aqua turquoise Majolica oyster plate signed Sarreguemines, circa 1890. 6 shells and space for the lemon on the center.

Category

1890s French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870
French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870

French Majolica Oyster Aqua Turquoise Plate Sarreguemines, circa 1870

By Sarreguemines

Located in Austin, TX

French aqua turquoise Majolica oyster plate signed Sarreguemines Majolica, circa 1870. 6 shells and space for the lemon on the center.

Category

1870s French French Provincial 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

19th Century Majolica Palissy Wall Fish Platter Choisy Le Roi
19th Century Majolica Palissy Wall Fish Platter Choisy Le Roi

19th Century Majolica Palissy Wall Fish Platter Choisy Le Roi

By Choisy-le-Roi

Located in Austin, TX

Colorful Palissy Majolica wall fish Handled platter signed Hippolyte Boulenger Choisy le Roi, circa 1880. Shells and mussels on a basketweave background.

Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

19th Century Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter
19th Century Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter

19th Century Majolica Palissy Fishs Wall Platter

By Choisy-le-Roi

Located in Austin, TX

French Palissy wall platter with fishs , shells, circa 1900 possibly Choisy le Roi. 13.8 by 9.3 inches. Reference/page 146 "Palissy Ware" of M. Katz.    

Category

Early 1900s French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

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

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 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 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

Mid-Century French Majolica Garlic Tureen
Mid-Century French Majolica Garlic Tureen

Mid-Century French Majolica Garlic Tureen

Located in Austin, TX

Mid-Century French Majolica Tureen with garlic on the handle.

Category

1950s French Country Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Live Size Italian Pug Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
Live Size Italian Pug Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s

Live Size Italian Pug Terracotta Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s

By Marioni

Located in Nuernberg, DE

An outstanding statue of an Italian Pug Dog made of glazed and hand-painted terracotta. Perfect, lifelike, and life-size representations of this loving creature, faithful, affectiona...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Terracotta

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

Antique French Majolica Barbotine Jardinière Hunt Stag Onnaing Cache Pot Planter
Antique French Majolica Barbotine Jardinière Hunt Stag Onnaing Cache Pot Planter

Antique French Majolica Barbotine Jardinière Hunt Stag Onnaing Cache Pot Planter

By Onnaing

Located in Shreveport, LA

Antique French Majolica Barbotine Jardinière Hunt Stag Onnaing Cache Pot Planter. Direct from France, a gorgeous 19th century antique French majolica jardinière or cache pot! The ca...

Category

Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Set of Three 19th-Century French Majolica Plates – Birds, Vegetation & Fruits
Set of Three 19th-Century French Majolica Plates – Birds, Vegetation & Fruits

Set of Three 19th-Century French Majolica Plates – Birds, Vegetation & Fruits

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Set of Three 19th-Century French Majolica Plates – Birds, Vegetation & Fruits Description: This is a set of three antique majolica plates, handcrafted in France in the 19th century....

Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Majolica Glazed Ceramic Lemons Pitcher / Jug, Spain 1960s
Majolica Glazed Ceramic Lemons Pitcher / Jug, Spain 1960s

Majolica Glazed Ceramic Lemons Pitcher / Jug, Spain 1960s

Located in Barcelona, ES

Eye-catching realistic Majolica lemons jug / pitcher in multicolor glazed ceramic, Spain, 1950s-1960s. Hand-painted Manises ceramic decorative jug in the sh...

Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Mid Century French Vallauris Majolica Oyster Plate
Mid Century French Vallauris Majolica Oyster Plate

Mid Century French Vallauris Majolica Oyster Plate

By Vallauris

Located in Pearland, TX

A gorgeous vintage French Vallauris oyster plate in lovely shades of green and turquoise from the South of France, circa 1950. Maker's mark on reverse. It displays beautifully with v...

Category

1950s French Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

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

Midcentury Ceramic Fish Plates Wall Composition / Wall Decoration

By Shorter & Son Ltd 1, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, Waechtersbach Ceramics, Vallauris, Gil Vargas Segovia

Located in Barcelona, ES

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

‎Life-Size Italian Bulldog Terracotta Pug Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s
‎Life-Size Italian Bulldog Terracotta Pug Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s

‎Life-Size Italian Bulldog Terracotta Pug Dog Statue Figurine Vintage, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Add a touch of charm to your home with this exquisite ceramic Terracotta Pug or French Bulldog sculpture. This piece captures the playful spirit of the beloved breed with intricate d...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Terracotta

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

Rare Majolica Lemons Applique Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Rare Majolica Lemons Applique Delphin Massier, circa 1890

Rare Majolica Lemons Applique Delphin Massier, circa 1890

By Delphin Massier

Located in Austin, TX

Rare Majolica lemons applique signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890. The Massier family produced several examples of wall decorations as animals, flowers more rarely fruits.

Category

1890s French Rustic Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Spanish Circular Wall Mirror in Red Glazed Ceramic, 1960
Spanish Circular Wall Mirror in Red Glazed Ceramic, 1960

Spanish Circular Wall Mirror in Red Glazed Ceramic, 1960

Located in Barcelona, ES

Spanish Red Ceramic Tiles Framed Mirror Eye-catching ceramic round wall mirror. Maufactured in Spain, 1960s. Circular shape and large glass mirror surface. The frame is made of large...

Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

George Jones Majolica Iris & Water Lily Pitcher, English, ca. 1875
George Jones Majolica Iris & Water Lily Pitcher, English, ca. 1875

George Jones Majolica Iris & Water Lily Pitcher, English, ca. 1875

By George Jones

Located in Banner Elk, NC

A George Jones Majolica Pitcher with Relief-Molded Irises, Daffodils, and Water-Lilies, English, ca. 1875. The branch-form handle, top rim, and spout are banded in white and yellow g...

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

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 seaweeds Salins (East of France) circa 1890.  

Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Pink Majolica Ceramic Dessert / Breakfast Service Set for Four
Pink Majolica Ceramic Dessert / Breakfast Service Set for Four

Pink Majolica Ceramic Dessert / Breakfast Service Set for Four

By Secla

Located in Barcelona, ES

A lovely Majolica pink glazed ceramic set of 12 pieces: four large plates, four small plates and four serving bowls. The set has a lovely pale pink color with details in white and ...

Category

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

Materials

Majolica, Pottery, Ceramic

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

French Pottery Majolica Rabbit Pate Tureen circa 1950.

Category

1950s French Rustic Vintage Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica, Pottery

Oversized Glazed Ceramic Gurgle Fish Jug Vase Tall Pitcher, France 1950
Oversized Glazed Ceramic Gurgle Fish Jug Vase Tall Pitcher, France 1950

Oversized Glazed Ceramic Gurgle Fish Jug Vase Tall Pitcher, France 1950

By Vallauris

Located in Barcelona, ES

Oversized Mid-Century Modernist glazed ceramic gurgling fish water jug / pitcher. France, 1950s-1960s Manufactured by Vallauris Ceramics. Eye-catching large green Majolica ceramic va...

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, 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

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

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

Ceramic, Majolica

Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890
Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890

Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890

By Salins

Located in Austin, TX

Majolica plate two parakeets on a blue background with oranges Salins, circa 1890.  

Category

1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Spanish Talavera Hand Painted Pottery Pitcher Vase, Vintage Signed
Spanish Talavera Hand Painted Pottery Pitcher Vase, Vintage Signed

Spanish Talavera Hand Painted Pottery Pitcher Vase, Vintage Signed

By Talavera de la Reyna

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage ceramic pitcher vase features a traditional rounded jar form with sculptural handle, decorated with the characteristic hand-painted Talavera de la Reina abstract floral garla...

Category

20th Century Spanish Folk Art Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery

Boxer Dog Life-Size Majolica Statue Sculpture, Glazed Ceramic, Italy, 1970s
Boxer Dog Life-Size Majolica Statue Sculpture, Glazed Ceramic, Italy, 1970s

Boxer Dog Life-Size Majolica Statue Sculpture, Glazed Ceramic, Italy, 1970s

By Ugo Zaccagnini

Located in Vienna, AT

An eye-catching and ornamental vintage life-size figurine of a boxer dog, standing 34 inches tall. This handcrafted and hand-painted statue, made from glazed ceramic/pottery, was pro...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery

German Jugendstil Earthenware Centerpiece, circa 1905
German Jugendstil Earthenware Centerpiece, circa 1905

German Jugendstil Earthenware Centerpiece, circa 1905

By Sarreguemines, Vallauris

Located in Valencia, VC

A beautiful German Jugendstil earthenware centerpiece or serving dish dating from the early 20th century, circa 1905–1915. The dish features an elegant scalloped outline resting on t...

Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Majolica Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica

Antique Arts & Crafts Oak Wall Coat Rack with Water Lily Tiles and Mirror
Antique Arts & Crafts Oak Wall Coat Rack with Water Lily Tiles and Mirror

Antique Arts & Crafts Oak Wall Coat Rack with Water Lily Tiles and Mirror

Located in Lisse, NL

Handcrafted Arts & Crafts wall coat rack in solid oak, enriched with a striking row of relief-moulded majolica tiles depicting white water lilies floating on deep blue water. Dating from the early 1900s, this large and highly decorative hall rack combines several practical functions in one beautifully composed design. The upper shelf provides space for hats or decorative objects, while the numerous antique metal hooks offer ample room for coats, hats and scarves. The hooks are not original to the rack. They were added and repositioned at some point in the past, probably to make the piece more practical for everyday use. Four of the larger hooks have sculptural lion-mask mounts and elegantly elongated arms, while three smaller double hooks are fitted along the shaped lower section. At the centre is an oval mirror with a broad hand-bevelled edge. It is surrounded by a decorative border of small applied floral ornaments. The shaped lower oak section, stepped side brackets and exposed construction details are all characteristic of the Arts & Crafts period. The warm grain and colour of the oak combine beautifully with the turquoise, cobalt blue, white, yellow and green glazes of the water-lily tiles. These deeply modelled majolica tiles give the piece exceptional colour and decorative presence. A rare, substantial and highly usable antique hall rack...

Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Majolica Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

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.