Gorgeous Antique Austrian Majolica Figural Monk Smoke Set

Pottery : Antique : Majolica : Austrian

 

What a lovely treat this one is! A traditionally garbed monk robed in charcoal gray with a mulberry skullcap holds an over-sized blue pitcher bearing the initials KB. (Anyone have any ideas what the initials might stand for? If so, please email me and let me know!) The monk stands before a trough shaped ashtray glazed in marbled dove gray, pewter and pink. He stands on a base of mossy cut stones glazed in shades of black, gray, brown, and green, with three baskets for holding smoking paraphernalia, glazed in similar colors, surrounding him. There is an unglazed ridged area on the rear of the right hand basket for use as a match-striker. This gorgeous piece is unmarked, save for the impressed numbers 2073 and 31. I found this in France, but I am certain that it’s Austrian. In fact, it looks to me like the work of the Brothers Urbach in Turn-Teplitz, but since there’s no mark, I can’t be certain. It likely dates to between 1880 and 1900. A nearly identical piece is shown on page 65 of Jeffrey Snyder's book, Marvelous Majolica. I have included a photo of the page below for those who don't have access to the book. This stands 7 ¾” tall, 5 ¾” wide, and 6 ½” deep. It is in exquisite condition with no chips, cracks, hairlines, or repairs. There is a very tiny firing line on the basket to the monk’s right, but this occurred during the manufacture of the piece. Other than that, it’s perfect! Shipping weight: 3 lb. 9 oz. (Location: LD)

MEMBER: Majolica International Society

Item ID: RL0507059