Figural Majolica Tree Trunk Vases by Villeroy & Boch, Germany, 1890, Set of 2

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Exceptional pair of late 19th-century figural majolica vases by villeroy & boch, germany, circa 1890, most likely produced at the … Read more Exceptional pair of late 19th-century figural majolica vases by villeroy & boch, germany, circa 1890, most likely produced at the firm’s schramberg manufactory. These remarkable sculptural vessels are conceived as naturalistically modeled hollow tree trunks surrounded by an extraordinary abundance of three-dimensional foliage, twisting vines, leaves, fruits and woodland details. Each vase is flanked by two beautifully modeled children: a young boy seated pensively on one side and a sleeping girl resting peacefully against the tree on the other. Particularly noteworthy is the quality of the figural modeling. The children’s faces, hair, individual fingers, clothing and subtle postures are rendered with considerable sensitivity. The sleeping girl’s closed eyes and relaxed pose give the composition an especially charming and almost narrative quality. The tree trunks themselves are exceptionally elaborate. Their deeply modeled bark is covered with separately articulated leaves and sinuous raised vines, creating an almost sculptural surface with remarkable depth. Small fruits and woodland elements are incorporated throughout the composition, rewarding close inspection from every angle. Even the backs of the figures and the rear surfaces of the vessels are carefully modeled, demonstrating that these pieces were intended to be appreciated fully in the round. The restrained palette is particularly sophisticated for 19th-century majolica. Subtle shades of warm ivory, taupe, brown and gray are contrasted by darker aubergine details, while the interiors are finished in a beautiful pale celadon-turquoise glaze. The result is considerably more refined and understated than the brightly colored majolica more commonly encountered from this period. Each vase stands approximately 28 cm / 11.02 in. High and weighs an unusually substantial 3.4 kg / 7.5 lbs, giving the pair a combined weight of approximately 6.8 kg / 15 lbs. Their remarkable weight reflects the substantial construction and extensive three-dimensional modeling. The underside bears an impressed ornamental cartouche incorporating the v and b initials together with the number 290, supporting the attribution to villeroy & boch. Villeroy & boch’s schramberg factory was an important center for the company’s majolica production between 1883 and 1912; museum collections document the factory’s particularly ambitious naturalistic and sculptural majolica from this period. What makes this offering especially desirable is the survival of two matching examples as a pair. They are not mirror-image models; rather, each repeats the same elaborate figural and naturalistic composition, allowing subtle variations in glazing and manufacture inherent to historic majolica production to be appreciated side by side. A highly decorative and increasingly uncommon example of german historicist majolica, combining sculpture, naturalism and decorative art in an exceptionally charming form. Germany, circa 1890. Condition the pair remains highly decorative and presents beautifully considering its age and exceptionally complex construction. There are age-related traces of use, minor glaze losses and small losses/chips to some of the highly exposed applied foliage and details. An old repair is visible to the lower leg/foot area of one child. Please refer closely to the detailed photographs, which form an important part of the condition documentation. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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