Antique Art Pottery Monkey Figure by Arthur Craco, 1890s

Details

Description

Deep emerald and moss-green lead glazes pool across the heavily textured surface of this earthenware grotesque figure. Modelled in a … Read more Deep emerald and moss-green lead glazes pool across the heavily textured surface of this earthenware grotesque figure. Modelled in a crouching posture atop an integral circular plinth, the creature combines simian and gargoyle characteristics, resting one elongated foot forward while drawing its right hand up towards its jaw. The expressive face is defined by an exaggerated, wide grin revealing teeth, pronounced brow ridges, and distinct inset glass eyes with amber irises and dark pupils. These glass components catch ambient light directly, lending an animated presence against the liquid sheen of the glossy majolica-style glaze. Produced around 1900, the figure features hollow slip-cast or press-moulded earthenware construction. The piece is attributed to Belgian sculptor and ceramic artist Arthur Craco (1869–1955), whose work frequently explored fantastical, organic, and grotesque decorative forms during the Art Nouveau era. Standing approximately 30 cm in height with a base width of 15 cm and depth of 30 cm, the sculpture carries substantial visual weight. The mottled pooling of pigment accentuates the modelled muscularity along the spine, limbs, and curled tail at the reverse. The ceramic body and glaze remain in sound order with no observed cracks, chips, or restorations, preserving crisp surface detail and original glass eyes intact. See less