19th Century French Barbotine Terracotta Urn Signed MI de Sèvres 1858

$1,800

About

Crafted in France and signed and dated 1858, this striking antique barbotine pedestal urn features a richly glazed cobalt blue ground accented with sculptural grapevine garlands in high relief. The rounded body is encircled with naturalistic branches, textured leaves, and clusters of grapes modeled in vibrant green and red tones, creating strong depth and movement against the luminous blue surface. The classical campana form rests on a pedestal foot, giving the piece architectural presence while allowing the exuberant vineyard decoration to remain the focal point. The twisted vine handles emerge organically from the applied garlands, blending structure and ornament in true mid-19th century taste. The glaze shows beautiful pooling and tonal variation, consistent with hand-finished barbotine work of the period. The underside is incised “M I de Sèvres 1858.” The inscription appears hand-carved into the clay prior to firing and likely references a regional workshop rather than the official Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, as the piece is earthenware and executed in relief barbotine rather than fine porcelain. The urn is in excellent antique condition commensurate with age and use, with minor glaze irregularities typical of early barbotine production. Dimensions: 17.5″W x 15″D x 13″H

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