19th Century French Barbotine Rooster Vase by Louis Carrier-Belleuse

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Bring vibrant color and sculptural character to a kitchen, dining room, wine cellar, or country house interior with this exceptional … Read more Bring vibrant color and sculptural character to a kitchen, dining room, wine cellar, or country house interior with this exceptional antique barbotine rooster vase. Crafted in France circa 1890 at the renowned Faïencerie de Choisy-le-Roi, the large glazed earthenware composition was modeled by French artist Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse.

The proud rooster stands in a commanding crowing pose, its open beak, alert expression, muscular legs, and dramatically arched tail feathers rendered with remarkable naturalism. Deeply modeled plumage is enriched with lustrous majolica glazes in warm chestnut brown, golden ochre, blue-black, crimson red, green, and cream. The bird is raised on a textured farmyard base strewn with sheaves of wheat and accompanied by a rustic overturned vessel. Behind the rooster is an integrated rectangular receptacle embellished with climbing green ivy, allowing the piece to function as a flower vase, spill holder, or decorative utensil container.

The base bears the molded inscription “Louis Carrier-Belleuse,” while the underside retains the printed Choisy-le-Roi factory mark and impressed model number 1191. Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse (1848–1913) was a painter, sculptor, and ceramic designer who trained under his celebrated father, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, as well as painter Alexandre Cabanel. After studying ceramic techniques with Théodore Deck, he became artistic director of the Choisy-le-Roi faience manufactory in 1889, where he designed expressive figural and sculptural models that elevated the factory’s artistic production.

Established near Paris in the early 19th century and later operated by the Boulenger family, Choisy-le-Roi became one of France’s most important ceramic manufactories. Alongside its extensive production of tableware, the factory earned particular distinction for ambitious decorative pieces, including naturalistic animal figures, busts, architectural ceramics, and large sculptural forms created in collaboration with prominent artists.

The rooster, or coq gaulois, has long served as an emblem of France, giving this spirited composition an especially evocative French character. The antique barbotine sculpture is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with beautifully preserved glazes, vivid coloration, and minor imperfections inherent to its handcrafted ceramic construction.

Dimensions: 16.5” W x 8.5” D x 20.75” H See less