Early 20th C. French Barbotine Faience Duck Wall Sculpture by Edmond Lachenal

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This striking antique French wall sculpture depicts a mallard duck in mid-flight, modeled in high relief with wings raised and … Read more This striking antique French wall sculpture depicts a mallard duck in mid-flight, modeled in high relief with wings raised and neck fully extended. Crafted in France circa 1900, the dynamic composition reflects the fluid naturalism and movement characteristic of the Art Nouveau period. The elongated horizontal format and sculptural depth give the piece strong decorative presence while remaining ideal for wall display.
Executed in glazed ceramic faience over a terracotta earthenware body and finished using the traditional barbotine slip technique, the surface displays vibrant painterly tones of cobalt blue, celadon green, ochre, cream, and earthy brown. The thick slip application creates richly dimensional feather detailing across the wings and breast, while natural glaze pooling, tonal variation, and kiln effects enhance its handcrafted character. The underside reveals a beautifully mottled glaze in blues and warm honey tones and retains the original hanging wire. The work is clearly impressed “Lachenal” along with a model number, confirming authenticity.
Edmond Lachenal was a celebrated French ceramicist associated with the Art Nouveau movement. A former collaborator of Théodore Deck, he established his own Paris workshop where he became known for innovative art pottery, faience, barbotine ceramics, and naturalistic animal subjects. His work was exhibited internationally and remains highly sought after within early 20th century French decorative arts.
This antique glazed faience and terracotta ceramic wall plaque is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with minor glaze variations inherent to the firing process. A rare and decorative sporting subject, ideal for a country house, hunting lodge, library, or curated collection of French Art Nouveau ceramics.
Dimensions: 23.25"W x 3"D x 18"H See less