Pair of 19th Century French Barbotine Majolica Jardinières With Bird and Foliage

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This colorful pair of antique Barbotine majolica jardinières brings the richness and whimsy of the natural world into an interior. … Read more This colorful pair of antique Barbotine majolica jardinières brings the richness and whimsy of the natural world into an interior. Crafted in Orchies in Northern France circa 1890, the sculptural ceramic cachepots are attributed to Joseph L’Hermine-Declercq. A closely related jardinière is documented and illustrated in Les Barbotines by Pierre Faveton, published by Massin Éditeur, providing an important reference for the design and its French Barbotine tradition. (see last pictures)
Modeled in pronounced relief in the naturalistic manner of Bernard Palissy, each jardinière depicts an animated woodland and marsh scene. The elaborate composition incorporates a brightly colored bird beside a nest filled with eggs, together with a coiled snake, monkey, reeds, broad leaves, tree bark, and moss-like textures. Every surface has been carefully modeled to create exceptional depth and movement.
The term barbotine refers to a liquid clay slip used to form, mold, and apply raised decorative elements before firing. During the late 19th Century, the term became particularly associated in France with richly glazed earthenware decorated with sculptural naturalistic motifs such as these.
The dense exterior decoration is hand-painted in variegated shades of green, brown, blue, turquoise, and pink, while the interiors are finished in a vivid peachy coral glaze that creates a striking contrast. Irregular leafy rims and sculptural feet reinforce the organic character of the pair and make the jardinières attractive from every angle.
These decorative planters may be used as cachepots for plants or displayed independently as remarkable examples of late 19th Century French majolica. The pair is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with minor glaze irregularities and light surface wear consistent with antique Barbotine pottery.
Dimensions: 10.5” W x 10.5” D x 9” H each See less