Stunning Huge Art Nouveau French Majolica Jean Massier Water Lily Jardiniere Cache Pot

Antiques : Ceramics, Porcelain : Majolica : French

 

Well, I have to say—this is stupendous, absolute majolica eye-candy! The Massier family of Vallauris, France, is world famous for their high-quality art pottery and majolica produced first by the father, Jacques (1806-1871), whose sons Delphin, Clement, and Jérôme followed in his footsteps. Delphin’s sons, Alfred, Jean, and Henri, continued the family tradition of fine pottery until 1911. This jardinière is the product of the company created by two of the sons of Delphin Massier, Jean and Henri . This company, Jean Massier & Cie., was in existence only from October 1906 to April 1909 at which point it was dissolved. It was reorganized for a short time in 1909 with E. Lamy, but that partnership was short-lived—it was dissolved in October 1910. This massive jardinière or cache pot is divided into 3 panels by water lily blossoms and leaves glazed in shades of purple, deep rose, golden yellow and green. In the center of each panel is another water lily blossom on an undulating green stem flanked by stylized water lily pads. At the rim of the jardinière more undulating stems reach across the top to terminate in rose colored buds that drape down beside the central blossom. The background glaze shades from pale cream at the top third of the body to a butter yellow in the center to cotton-candy pink at the bottom third. The interior is glazed in pale aqua. This measures approximately 14” in diameter at its widest point and 10” tall. It is signed on the base “JEAN MASSIER & Cie., VALLAURIS, (A.M.)” in underglaze black, as well has bearing the impressed circular Jean Massier mark. This was made between 1906 and 1908. As for condition: there are 3 chips and 3 small glaze flakes on the rim; 3 chips on the base rim where the base is in direct contact with the table (these are not really visible when displayed), and 3 flakes at different high spots on the body. These could easily be professionally restored for a nominal sum, but I will leave that to the buyer! Please consult the photos for details. Shipping weight: 16 lb. 12 oz. (Location: FD)

MEMBER: Majolica International Society

Item ID: RL030809