19th Century French Montigny Hand-Painted Barbotine Faience Vase on Wood Stand

$2,300

About

A striking example of French decorative ceramics, this antique barbotine faience vase combines vibrant floral decoration with an intricately carved wooden pedestal. Crafted in France circa 1880 in the artistic tradition of Montigny-sur-Loing, the tall two-piece composition features a colorful ceramic vessel resting on an elaborate tripod stand.

The vase features an elongated baluster shape with a flared, molded rim and a tapered lower body. Its glossy dark brown background is decorated with an abundant bouquet of hand-painted flowers in shades of white, yellow, blue, pink, and soft green. The naturalistic blossoms and foliage are rendered with expressive brushwork, creating the richly textured appearance characteristic of French Impressionist barbotine pottery.

The ceramic vessel rests on a carved wooden tripod stand with a dark patinated finish. Each support is embellished with a sculptural mask above a scrolling cabriole leg terminating in a claw foot. The three gracefully curved legs are joined by a lower stretcher, creating an architectural base that beautifully complements the colorful vase above.

Montigny-sur-Loing, near Fontainebleau, became an important center for artistic ceramics during the late 19th century. Beginning in the 1870s, manufacturers such as Eugène Schopin collaborated with local painters to develop distinctive faience decorated with freely painted floral compositions inspired by Impressionism. The neighboring artistic communities of Montigny and Marlotte attracted numerous painters, including Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot and Adrien Schulz, drawn to the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The antique vase and stand are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, retaining rich colors and an attractive patinated finish. This unusual pièce de forme would make a wonderful decorative statement in an entryway, living room, or conservatory, displayed on its own or filled with dried flowers.

Dimensions: 17″ W x 17″ D x 52.5″ H overall; vase 21″ H.

Additional information