19th Century French Barbotine Rooster Vase in the Manner of Carrier-Belleuse

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A lively example of late 19th-century French majolica, this antique sculptural rooster vase combines vivid color, naturalistic modeling, and the … Read more A lively example of late 19th-century French majolica, this antique sculptural rooster vase combines vivid color, naturalistic modeling, and the playful character associated with French barbotine ceramics. Crafted in France circa 1880, the composition depicts a proud standing rooster beside a hollow tree-trunk-form vase, all raised on an integral grassy base.

The faience rooster is modeled with finely textured plumage and richly glazed in black, golden brown, turquoise, deep red, white, and green. Its expressive head, prominent comb and wattles, long white legs, and dramatically layered tail feathers give the figure strong sculptural presence. The adjoining vase is molded to resemble a cut tree trunk with an irregular jagged rim and deep green-to-turquoise glaze.

The piece is executed in the manner of ceramic artists such as Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse and Paul Comolera, both celebrated for highly naturalistic animal subjects during the French ceramic revival of the late 19th century. The chanticleer, or Gallic rooster, has long served as a national emblem and symbol of France, lending the composition additional French cultural significance.

The underside bears the incised number “117.” The antique barbotine vase is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with an old crack visible along one underside corner, as shown.

Dimensions: 14" W x 11" D x 24.5" H See less