Early 20th Century French Desvres Faience Jardinière on Pedestal

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This impressive early 20th century antique French faience jardinière on pedestal, dating to circa 1920, was produced in Desvres, one … Read more This impressive early 20th century antique French faience jardinière on pedestal, dating to circa 1920, was produced in Desvres, one of France’s most important centers for decorative tin-glazed earthenware. Executed entirely in hand-painted faience, the ensemble consists of a richly modeled jardinière raised on a matching sculptural pedestal, forming a commanding vertical composition intended for architectural or conservatory display.
The jardinière features a deeply scalloped rim and boldly scrolled handles, highlighted by dense polychrome decoration in cobalt blue, ochre, green, manganese, and iron red over a luminous ivory ground. Floral baskets, scrolling foliage, and stylized acanthus motifs wrap the body in a continuous ornamental program, echoed and extended across the pedestal through sculptural relief and finely painted cartouches. The underside bears a hand-painted “Desvres – Fait Main” mark, confirming its artisanal manufacture.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Desvres became renowned for its vibrant glazes, folkloric decoration, and reinterpretations of earlier Rouen and Nevers traditions. Artisans, often working within family ateliers or in association with prominent manufactories such as Fourmaintraux and Masse, produced ambitious decorative works intended for garden rooms and grand interiors. This antique jardinière reflects that tradition through its confident scale, exuberant modeling, and richly layered coloration. The jardinière and pedestal are in excellent condition, with wear consistent with age and hand-crafted production.
Dimensions: 23"W x 17"D x 44"H. See less