Large and Impressive Early 19th Century Italian Pottery
The tin-glazed earthenware known as majolica (or maiolica) was first produced in Italy in the mid-14th century. Beautiful and colorful, it has always been prized as a decoration that never fades or loses its beauty. By the 16th century, majolica painters were imitating famous frescos and oil paintings depicting scenes from classical history, the Bible and mythology. When the Golden House of Nero in Rome was rediscovered, the elaborate, whimsical motifs found on its underground chambers were also used as subject matters. These designs were called grottesche (grotesques).; Over the centuries the demand for majolica has had its ups and downs. By the 17th century it was in decline, and the styles based on Renaissance motifs were replaced by those that were then in fashion. By the 18th century, majolica faced greater competition from French and German faience, Asian and European porcelain, and English creamware. By the 1850s only a handful of Italian majolica workshops were still in existence, but by the end of the 19th century a movement was started to re-establish the ware’s designs and production.; This large and characterful early 19th century vase has many fascinating and unusual design twists. As with many Italian faience pieces, the overall effect is often more important than the depiction of individual figures, motifs or activities.; The overstated rope-like handles distinguish this vase from many of its contemporaries. The exaggerated loops help add to its dramatic presence.; The hand-painted decoration was carried out in a beautiful blue that varies in depth and in shading from dark to light. A large painted traditional villa is positioned in the center section with a massive stone archway on the left side; it’s the kind of villa that the wineries of California can only hope to emulate. The artist who painted this piece was highly skilled in traditional faience decoration.; The baluster body narrows to a tall upper portion with a wide rim. The blue hand-painted lines elevate the design to the very top of the vase. At the bottom quarter of the vase is another interesting part of this huge piece of early 19th century pottery; that is, a spout in the form of a man’s face, complete with nose, forehead, eyes, and curly hair. This wonderful and unusual feature is another addition to the charm of the vase.; The painting and decorations extend a little past each large handle; however, there is a continuous set of blue lines that go all the way around to connect the front with the back. The overall design, which includes the painting on the mouth of the vase, the handles and the entire front of the vase, made all the parts fit together effortlessly as the artist continued his work with his brush until all the decoration was completed.; For such a large piece of pottery (it weighs over 12 pounds) of some 200 years of age, this vase is in good condition. There is crazing of the glaze throughout and scattered discolored cracks. There is some rubbing and chips with glaze loss, but mostly around the base. However, in this fabulous piece, these signs of its age only add to its overall stately antique character.; This wonderful piece of centuries old pottery can only add its own mark of character and warmth to any decorating scheme. In the right place it would also be perfect as a substantial lamp.; It measures about 15-1/2 inches high and 11-1/2 inches at its widest point.
Reserve: $995.00
Shipping:
Domestic: Flat-rate of $185.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.
International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Location: This item ships from Michigan
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
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The tin-glazed earthenware known as majolica (or maiolica) was first produced in Italy in the mid-14th century. Beautiful and colorful, it has always been prized as a decoration that never fades or loses its beauty. By the 16th century, majolica painters were imitating famous frescos and oil paintings depicting scenes from classical history, the Bible and mythology. When the Golden House of Nero in Rome was rediscovered, the elaborate, whimsical motifs found on its underground chambers were also used as subject matters. These designs were called grottesche (grotesques).; Over the centuries the demand for majolica has had its ups and downs. By the 17th century it was in decline, and the styles based on Renaissance motifs were replaced by those that were then in fashion. By the 18th century, majolica faced greater competition from French and German faience, Asian and European porcelain, and English creamware. By the 1850s only a handful of Italian majolica workshops were still in existence, but by the end of the 19th century a movement was started to re-establish the ware’s designs and production.; This large and characterful early 19th century vase has many fascinating and unusual design twists. As with many Italian faience pieces, the overall effect is often more important than the depiction of individual figures, motifs or activities.; The overstated rope-like handles distinguish this vase from many of its contemporaries. The exaggerated loops help add to its dramatic presence.; The hand-painted decoration was carried out in a beautiful blue that varies in depth and in shading from dark to light. A large painted traditional villa is positioned in the center section with a massive stone archway on the left side; it’s the kind of villa that the wineries of California can only hope to emulate. The artist who painted this piece was highly skilled in traditional faience decoration.; The baluster body narrows to a tall upper portion with a wide rim. The blue hand-painted lines elevate the design to the very top of the vase. At the bottom quarter of the vase is another interesting part of this huge piece of early 19th century pottery; that is, a spout in the form of a man’s face, complete with nose, forehead, eyes, and curly hair. This wonderful and unusual feature is another addition to the charm of the vase.; The painting and decorations extend a little past each large handle; however, there is a continuous set of blue lines that go all the way around to connect the front with the back. The overall design, which includes the painting on the mouth of the vase, the handles and the entire front of the vase, made all the parts fit together effortlessly as the artist continued his work with his brush until all the decoration was completed.; For such a large piece of pottery (it weighs over 12 pounds) of some 200 years of age, this vase is in good condition. There is crazing of the glaze throughout and scattered discolored cracks. There is some rubbing and chips with glaze loss, but mostly around the base. However, in this fabulous piece, these signs of its age only add to its overall stately antique character.; This wonderful piece of centuries old pottery can only add its own mark of character and warmth to any decorating scheme. In the right place it would also be perfect as a substantial lamp.; It measures about 15-1/2 inches high and 11-1/2 inches at its widest point.
Reserve: $995.00
Shipping:
Domestic: Flat-rate of $185.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.
International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Location: This item ships from Michigan
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
