Large Pair of 19th Century French Desvres Faience Urns with Twisted Handles

$2,975

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Decorate a console, sideboard, or enfilade with this charming pair of hand-painted French faience urns from Desvres. Crafted in northern Francecirca 1880, each large baluster-form vessel features an elegant flared neck, pedestal base, and distinctive twisted rope handles highlighted in speckled blue. The pieces are richly adorned with cobalt foliate scrolls, floral sprays, and gilt accents typical of the region’s decorative vocabulary. Each tall vase showcases a different pastoral scene inspired by Breton folk life: one depicts a Breton man and woman standing together in regional costume, while the other shows two musicians seated outdoors, one playing a cornemuse (bagpipe) and the other a wooden flute. These figural vignettes are executed with lively brushwork and soft coloration, capturing the romanticism associated with late-19th-century Breton-themed faience. One urn remains unsigned, while the other is marked “Por Michel” on the underside, an attribution linked to one of the decorators active in the Desvres workshops. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the town of Desvres became one of France’s most important faience-producing centers, renowned for its vibrant glazes, folkloric subjects, and reinterpretations of earlier Rouen and Nevers styles. Artisans such as Michel were skilled decorators often working within family ateliers or in association with larger factories including Fourmaintraux and Masse. Excellent overall condition commensurate with age and use. Minor glaze imperfections and small kiln marks typical of hand-thrown faience. Colors remain fresh and vibrant. Dimensions: 11″W x 9″D x 18″H

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