Category: Ceramics

Etruscan majolica for a dinner party with a seaweed and shell theme. Very stylish in the late 19th century.

Etruscan majolica lidded jar with shell and seaweed decorations. Late 19th c. American. Ceramic. Griffin, Smith and Hill, makers. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/ceramics/19th-century-shell-seaweed-etruscan-majolica-lidded-jar/id-f_5653623/?gclid=CjwKCAjw4_H6BRALEiwAvgfzq_TQn3HyABzkzLED-OzTciDIxORGZ7r4JmdmclgTWpKHB2RjAw6VTBoCsCsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Etruscan majolica seaweed and shell motif platter in pink/peach, turquoise, tan, green, gray, black and soft yellow. 19th c. Ceramic. Image © 2020 Chairish, Inc.  and Toadleigh Hall. Fair use license. via https://www.chairish.com/product/2434369/19th-century-etruscan-majolica-seaweed-shell-platter
Plates and cuspidor in the Etruscan majolica shell pattern. 19th c. Ceramic. Etruscan Works of Phoenixville, maker. Image via http://etruscanmajolica.blogspot.com/2017/10/shell-plates-fruit-dish-and-cuspidor.html

Tableware from under the sea. Majolica with fishy themes from Joseph Holdcroft and Company which was active in the 1870s and early 1880s. English.

Lobster pate tureen with a lid decorated with a lobster on seaweeds. 1870-1879. Victorian. English. Makers marks: signed “Joseph Holcroft.” Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/serving-pieces/19th-english-majolica-lobster-tureen-joseph-holdcroft/id-f_7586773/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy8f6BRC7ARIsAPIXOjhe_VRH1_x6Sitb_0c7UYXvUs5yCwUYwWO3dwbP45AFGpo9lTCNesEaAo5tEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Oyster plate glazed in robin’s egg blue, with a deep pink central well, each well separated by flowering lotus, trimmed in yellow. 1875. English. Maker’s marks: Impressed “J HOLDCROFT” on the reverse. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/ceramics/joseph-holdcroft-majolica-oyster-plate-english-circa-1875/id-f_17992792/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy8f6BRC7ARIsAPIXOjjSl8J0NyM9qrKZx35V1Scr4TVcP80BGn3T4KVKTP5zt04J-JOuazAaAmxLEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Seven piece salmon service including a platter that is molded as a salmon on a bed of seaweeds on a molded ground simulating moving water with shell form handles modeled in high relief. Glazed in turquoise blue with six matching plates. 1875. Majolica with a turquoise glaze. Makers marks: Plates and platter all impressed “J HOLDCROFT” on the underside. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/platters-serveware/holdcroft-majolica-7-piece-salmon-service-turquoise-english-circa-1875/id-f_19690282/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy8f6BRC7ARIsAPIXOjhi0KQktoV-V_FyScNzFKkSbGetvZsgic-SR0GYKV3VVnLr5s7p8cgaAookEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Oyster plate in the “Pond Lily” pattern, the wells glazed in deep pink with a hue of lavender. ca. 1875. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/ceramics/holdcroft-majolica-pink-oyster-plate-english-circa-1875-pond-lily-pattern/id-f_18906402/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy8f6BRC7ARIsAPIXOjgNbH0uCCAeDkoZo9RcSDdejq7P_KmDiB2iGVlugVFrWn1HdUxxiQUaAnR1EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

French Art Nouveau ceramics by Clément Massier who was born into a family of ceramicists. He was a collaborator Lucien Lévy-Dhurmer, starting in 1887. His factory-gallery complex in Golfe Juan became a destination for the elite who summered in Monaco, Nice, and Cannes. Brother of Jérôme and Delphin Massier.

Screenshot (178)
Iridescent cauldron shaped planter/iardinière made for the Hôtel Ritz. 1885. Ceramic, iridescent glazed earthenware. Makers marks: Signed. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/vases-vessels/planters-cachepots-jardinieres/iridescent-planter-clement-massier-hotel-ritz-1885/id-f_16586941/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhb36BRCfARIsAKcXh

clement-massier-vase
“Clematis” luster glazed vase. Undated. Ceramic, glazed earthenware.Signed “Clement Massier, Golfe Juan, A M”. Image ©2020 Tandem Gallery, Gendringen NL. Fair use license. via https://www.glass-artnouveau.com/object/faience/other-factories/clement-massier-vase/

2014.117_PS11
Iridescent vase with a squat baluster body raised on a coppery glazed ring foot. A wide tall neck with three additional smaller, parallel necks rising from the sides of the vessel. Overall iridescent glaze in dark purple and light blue green with flying bumble bees among leafy fronds. ca. 1900. Glazed earthenware, ceramic. Makers marks: “CLEMENT MASSIER/ GOLFE-JUAN/ [?]AM” painted on the bottom in green. Collections of the Brooklyn Museum. Creative Commons license. via https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/217912

Designs done for British ceramics firm Minton, all with Classical themes. Folio 10, SD 1705/MS1895 with no class letter. The legend on original cover reading “Decorated Pieces; How: chiefly vases. Paintings, drawings, tracings, etc; mostly coloured.” (Smith, Moyr). Collections of the Minton Archives, Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Screenshot (166)
Colored design. Undated. Collections of and © Minton Archive. Fair use license. via https://www.themintonarchive.org.uk/folio-friday-march-5/#more-10616

Screenshot (169)
Colored design. Undated. Collections of and © Minton Archive. Fair use license. via https://www.themintonarchive.org.uk/folio-friday-march-5/#more-10616

Screenshot (167)
Colored design. Undated. Collections of and © Minton Archive. Fair use license. via https://www.themintonarchive.org.uk/folio-friday-march-5/#more-10616

Screenshot (172)
Colored design. Undated. Collections of and © Minton Archive. Fair use license. via https://www.themintonarchive.org.uk/folio-friday-march-5/#more-10616

Gaudy Welsh milk and cream jugs and jugs with bright decorations. Cottage ware, it was made for sale in Britain between 1820 and 1860.

Screenshot (150)
“Swansea Cottage” Gaudy Welsh cream jug in the “Tulip” pattern with a scrolling dragon handle. ca. 1840. British. © Premier Antiques quality ceramics and glass. Fair use license. via https://www.premierantiques.co.uk/lovely-gaudy-welsh-swansea-cottage—tulip-pattern-bone-china-cream-jug-c1840-4448-p.asp

Screenshot (151)
Octagonal Gaudy Welsh cream jug, hand painted in a splash of colors all over with an array of floral designs with a decorative scrolled handle. ca. 1820-1860. Image © 2020 Etsy, Inc. Fair use license. via https://www.etsy.com/listing/766141810/early-gaudy-welsh-octagonal-cream-jug?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Gaudy+Welsh&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&frs=1

Screenshot (153)
Gaudy Welsh “Swansea Cottage” milk jug in the “Cambrian Rose” pattern. 1820-1860. British. Image © 1995-2020 eBay Inc. Fair use license. via https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ebay/313129436832

Greek Revival decorated pottery. mid 19th c. Staffordshire. Samuel Alcock was a leading British pottery manufacturer who started Samuel Alcock and Company in 1828. It closed in the 1860s.

Screenshot (132)
Five jugs and vases with transfer printed scenes, enamel glazes and gilt edges. Victorian. Ceramic. Image © Leonard Joel, Melbourne, Australia and lotsearch.de. Fair use license. via https://www.lotsearch.de/lot/a-group-of-five-victorian-greek-revival-ceramics-a-samuel-alcock-orange-50351796?utm_source=auction-newsletter-email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Auktionsnewsletter&utm_content=Email:%20Auktionsnewsletter

Screenshot (134)
Amphora decorated with various mythological figures including Triptolemos, demi-god of the harvest, shown seated in his winged chariot drawn by serpents travelling the world spreading the gods’ gift of agriculture.. ca. 1859. British. Image © 2020 – WorthPoint Corporation. Fair use license. via https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1860-hill-pottery-samuel-alcock-greek-1856232557

2014_NYR_02840_0270_000(three_english_porcelain_greek-revival_two-handled_vases_circa_1860_bla)
Three two handled Greek Revival vases. Large orange ground vase decorated with birds with handles decorated with satyrs playing the pipes and Dionis and maenads on the obverse. The smaller vase (right) with a small vase with a motif Nike beneath a stylized border and the smallest (left) with a satyr and maenads. ca. 1860. British. Maker’s marks: Printed “S.A. & CO”. Image © CHRISTIE’S 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/three-english-porcelain-greek-revival-two-handled-vases-circa-5806737-details.aspx

Majolica tableware that looks like it is alive. No worries. The lizards and insects are ceramic, too. Portuguese. Manuel Mafra, creator. Living from 1831 to 1905, he opened up his own factory in 1853. His work is known as Palissy ware, influenced by the work of 16th century French potter Bernard Palissy. Debuted at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867.

Screenshot (125)
Ewer decorated with reptiles and a snail that is glazed with copper and manganese. Undated. Ceramic. Attributed to Manuel Mafra. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/pitchers/ewer-attributed-to-manuel-mafra/id-f_1853792/

6703-two-portuguese-majolica-palissy-ware-plates-by-mafra-2-2000x
One of a pair of plates decorated with lizards. 19th c. Portuguese. Ceramic. Makers marks: Each plate is marked to the underside with the maker’s mark for Manuel Mafra, reading “M. MAFRA / CALDAS / PORTUGAL”. Image © 2020 Mayfair Gallery Limited. Fair use license. via https://www.mayfairgallery.com/two-portuguese-majolica-palissy-ware-plates-by-manuel-mafra

Screenshot (126)
Water jug with polychrome glaze decoration in high relief in the motif of lizards, butterflies and insects. Molded handles in a serpent motif. 19th c. Portuguese. Marked. Image © 2002-2020 LiveAuctioneers. Fair use license. via https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-gb/item/70075133_water-jug-palissy-ware-from-manuel-mafra

Colorful ceramic jam pots by English ceramics artist Clarice Cliff. Living from 1899 to 1972, she loved bright colors almost as much as I do.

original
Jam pot with cover in the “Bizarre” crocus pattern. ca. 1928. English. Image © Metropress Ltd, (t/a Auction Technology Group) 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/p-f-windibank-auctioneers/catalogue-id-srpf10023/lot-43852690-e583-421d-89da-a55a01049b1c

Screenshot (94)
Large drum cylinder jampot and cover in the “Green Chintz” pattern. English. Makers marks: Signed on the underside. Image © Banana Dance Ltd. 2015. Fair use license. via https://www.bananadance.com/antiques/clarice-cliff-clarice-cliff-a-rare-green-chintz-pattern-large-drum-cylinder-jampot-and-cover-in-excellent-condition/977

clarice cliff 75881520071567
“Bonjour” shape jam pot and lid in “Newlyn,” a rarer colorway of the “Forest Glen” pattern. ca. 1934. English. Makers marks; fully signed on the base. Image © 2020 Andrew Muir. Fair use license. via https://andrew-muir.com/items/clarice-cliff-newlyn-bonjour-jampot-c-1934/2054

Majolica ceramic animals. French. Jerome Massier, creator. Living from 1850 to 1916, he worked under the name of Jerome Massier Fils in the Messier family firm in the south of France where they started producing majolica in the 1860s.

Screenshot (29)
Grasshopper jardinière. Majolica ceramic. ca. 1890. French. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/building-garden/planters-jardinieres/19th-century-majolica-grasshopper-jardiniere-jerome-massier/id-f_16159681/?gclid=CjwKCAjw97P5BRBQEiwAGflV6X5C2GtnB3B4tUDazfyaB_uwfBOSC3oqSNKDes3vQBb9SkxbUlt8EBoCskQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Screenshot (35)
Frog playing guitar sitting on a chair. Majolica ceramic. 1910. French. Marked on the underside. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/sculptures/animal-sculptures/rare-majolica-frog-sitting-on-chair-jerome-massier-circa-1910/id-f_12543841/?gclid=CjwKCAjw97P5BRBQEiwAGflV6cXNwIg7DB7x-tgqeUSsMGZgyjzUNVdJpkTQrRxdfXPxCcEo0Z4J3RoCj6EQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Screenshot (31)
Swan jardinière. Majolica ceramic. ca. 1890. French. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/building-garden/planters-jardinieres/majolica-yellow-swan-jardiniere-jerome-massier-circa-1890/id-f_19163002/?gclid=CjwKCAjw97P5BRBQEiwAGflV6QRyKJSGS-dCp5cD9M-S0fY1-FImJyVhOSzSyoRtdwLR8HKWAMjbQxoCoEkQAvD_BwE&

Screenshot (33)
Planter in the form of chirping finches atop a grassy water tank. Majolica ceramic. ca. 1800. French. Maker’s marks: marked “Jerome Massier Fils” on the underside. Image © Jesse Davis Antiques. Fair use license. via https://www.jessedavisantiques.co.uk/en-GB/majolica/jerome-massier-bird-motif-majolica-planter/prod_10398#.Xy1WjyhKjqU

Brightly colored faience pottery birds. 18th century, made in Prussia. All of them almost real enough to start chirping. Three ewers, one soup tureen and a sweets dish.

download (1)
Faience ewer and cover, modeled as a brightly colored parrot perched on rockwork with the head forming the cover and the handle as a leafy branch. ca. 1770. Prussian. Proskau, maker. Maker’s marks: Script “DP” with the mark in manganese. Image © 2020 Sotheby’s. Fair use license. via https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/dining-in-new-york/a-proskau-faience-parrot-ewer-and-cover-circa-1770

Screenshot (14)
Pair of faience parrot jugs and covers, each modeled as a parrot standing on a curled branch that loops up to form the handle with a fruit hanging at the front, painted in shades of green, yellow, blue and manganese with the branches in brown with a green entwined vine. ca. 1770-1780. Prussian. Proskau or Glienitz, maker. Image © Bonhams 2001-2020. Fair use license. via https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24224/lot/132/?category=list&length=10&page=14

3902591_1
Faience tureen and cover modeled as a duck. ca. late 18th c. Prussian. ,Proskau, maker. Makers marks: Marked with a blue “P” and with an underglaze black “2” on the interior of the bowl and cover. Faded paper label for the Antique Porcelain Company, New York. Image © 2013-2020 STAIR Galleries. Fair use license. via https://auctions.stairgalleries.com/lot/proskau-faience-small-duck-tureen-and-cover-3902591

Lempertz-1066-695-Decorative-Arts-Probably-Proskau-A-faience-model-of-a-coot-as-a-sweets-dish
Faience sweets dish in the model of a coot. 18th c. Attributed to Proskau. Image © Lempertz Auctions. Fair use license. via https://www.lempertz.com/en/catalogues/lot/1066-2/695-a-faience-model-of-a-coot-as-a-sweets-dish.html