Large Mottahedeh Vista Alegre Peach and White Porcelain Jardiniere

Details

Description

Summary
Large and hard to find Vista Alegre for Mottahedeh porcelain jardiniere in a soft peach and white palette, featuring … Read more Summary
Large and hard to find Vista Alegre for Mottahedeh porcelain jardiniere in a soft peach and white palette, featuring a sculpted rococo-inspired silhouette with scrolling rim and molded leaf reserves. The generous oval form and elegant color make this an ideal statement piece for flowers, greenery, or as a centerpiece on its own.

Dating and Background Information
This jardiniere was produced by Vista Alegre in Portugal for Mottahedeh, the renowned maker and distributor of high-quality historical reproductions and decorative porcelains. Vista Alegre, founded in 1824, is Portugal’s premier porcelain manufacturer and is known for its fine body, crisp molding, and luminous glazes. Mottahedeh has long collaborated with leading factories to create patterns and forms inspired by important museum and private-collection pieces, bringing classical and historic designs into refined interiors.

The present example, likely dating to the late 20th century, takes a rococo revival form with a softly lobed body, molded leaf cartouches, and a gently undulating rim. The peach ground—sometimes described as salmon—is framed by pale gray-white reserves that highlight the modeling and give the piece a light, airy presence despite its substantial footprint.

Collector Notes
Larger Mottahedeh and Vista Alegre jardinieres are much scarcer than the smaller cachepots and planters and are increasingly difficult to source in clean condition. For collectors of Mottahedeh, Vista Alegre, or fine decorative porcelain more broadly, this piece offers both scale and versatility. The restrained two-color scheme works well with a variety of patterns, from chintz and tapestries to modern solids.

Decorating Ideas
Perfect for anchoring the center of a dining or console table, this jardiniere is also beautiful on a sideboard, kitchen island, or wide windowsill. Use it with a liner for fresh floral arrangements, plant it with orchids or seasonal greens, or leave it empty as a sculptural accent. The peach ground pairs especially well with brass, giltwood, warm woods, and soft neutrals, and can be mixed with blue-and-white, Imari, or famille rose porcelains for a layered, collected look.

Dimensions
Height: 7 inches
Width: 13 1/4 inches
Depth: 6 inches

Condition
Very good to excellent condition. Glaze surfaces are bright and glossy, with only minor random as-made irregularities and tiny firing blemishes typical of production. Light shelf wear to the foot consistent with gentle use and display. No cracks, restorations, or other distractions noted.

About David Anthony
David Anthony is an established antiques and interiors dealer offering the public fine merchandise for fine interior decorating. See less