Pair of 19th Century French Barbotine Figural Majolica Vases

$1,775

About

A richly modeled pair of antique French barbotine vases, each conceived as a picturesque architectural scene with a finely dressed figure standing before a weathered stone wall. Crafted in France circa 1880, the tall ceramic compositions combine sculptural figural work, floral ornament, and naturalistic textures characteristic of late 19th-century French majolica.

One vase depicts a gentleman in an orange coat and top hat carrying a rolled blanket, umbrella, and travel bag, while the companion features a woman in traditional dress holding two woven baskets overflowing with flowers. Both figures are rendered in high relief against tall masonry backdrops entwined with climbing foliage and applied blossoms, creating considerable depth and visual interest.

The surfaces are finished in softly mottled glazes of cream, green, pink, red, brown, and black, with the heavily textured barbotine decoration emphasizing the stonework, clothing, baskets, and floral details. The narrow, vertical proportions give the pair a particularly sculptural presence, making them well suited for display on a mantel, console, or bookcase.

The antique vases are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with attractive glaze variation and well-preserved color throughout.

Dimensions: 6″ W x 5.5″ D x 21″ H each.

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