One thing that makes me so partial to antique majolica is the silly foodie-ness of it all.
Before I ever heard the word majolica, I already owned a soup tureen shaped like a head of green cabbage. I’d also been eyeballing salad plates shaped like green lettuce leaves for years — you know which ones I mean. Then I discovered the “good” stuff, English majolica from the late 19th century — pieces like this iconic large monkey teapot depicting a monkey hanging onto a coconut with a bamboo spout. Judging by the finial, the money’s head is the teapot lid. All these years later, this guy has become one expensive pet.
Funny, intricately formed and incredibly colorful, majolica was created in Victorian England for 19th century dining tables and garden rooms by serious china companies like Minton and Wedgwood. George Jones, the Leonardo da Vinci of the majolica world, is a key name who had his own manufactory. One example of Jones’ works is this majolica strawberry dish, molded with strawberry leaves. A small cream pitcher and sugar bowl are integral to the 14.75-inch long dish. Eventually, majolica was made in America, and reproduction pieces are still sold today in stores and catalogs.
George Jones pieces, like the domed cow cheese keeper with bovine handle, are the gold standard of antique majolica and definitely fall into a you-can’t-miss-this-stuff collecting category. You know it when you see it. And prices reflect the quality.
Minton catered to Victorian taste for oysters with plates like these (from 1973) which include seaweed and shell decorations. Seafood and shell motifs were very popular.
Covered game pie containers with birds and rabbits, like this George Jones “Full Nest” dish, seem so Downton Abbey now. Pâtés rarely grace dinner tables, let alone baked in such elaborate dishware. It’s strictly for display.
There’s a soft spot in my heart for all the funny-looking humans, animals and mythological figures and historical theme pieces, especially when they are made into teapots. The phrase “all the tea in China” comes to mind with this Minton teapot in the form of a Chinese actor wearing a turquoise floral robe holding a Noh mask. His head is the lid (again) and the handle is formed by his braided pigtail. Revival styles during the late 19th century were commonly inspired by Asia and political correctness had not yet been imagined.
I’m especially partial to the fruits and vegetables or trees and flowers pieces. At one point, I started collecting teapots (but stopped due to their cost) so I collect them virtually and I thoroughly enjoy the many variations on naturalistic themes (even though they may have nothing to do with tea).
The Victorians actually used majolica pieces like this Etruscan shell and seaweed coffee pot until about 1875 when it became pretty poison, according to information provided by the Majolica Society. Ironically, the glazes that made the vivid pinks, cobalt blues, turquoises and greens look glamorous were lead-based. As in lead paint. So, while many reproduction pieces can be used (I do serve soup in my cabbage) old majolica is strictly for display.
Vases as elaborate as this Royal Worcester turquoise basketweave beauty, with flowering branches and trunk-form legs, have the power to upstage fresh flowers though if I owned this piece I wouldn’t hesitate to use it!
And because most majolica is well beyond my budget and bargains are flukes, I always stop to see it at shows, where this rare jardinière (flower pot) with Egyptian motifs was snapped for my virtual majolica collection. How fabulous it would look on my antique table surrounded by my blue and white-painted Swedish chairs with sphinx motifs on the backs.
(Source: Cara Antiques, Linda Horn, Charles L. Washburne, Strawser Auctions, Gorringes Auction, Sloans & Kenyon)
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Funny! I just did a post on majolica today. I have quite a bit of it maybe 30 pieces. I haven’t had it out lately…because it seems out of style but I recently got it out and used it on my fireplace.
The pieces are just beautiful! I especially love the “Full Nest” dish. Thanks for sharing!
Pam
These are amazing pieces!
I LOVE this stuff! I have some pieces . . . new ones thought. Fitz and Floyd is as close as I can afford.
Hi,
I wasn’t able to respond to your comment about the birdhouses as there wasn’t an email address. (you can delete this after you’ve read it)
To put a birdhouse in the ground, I buy a mailbox metal stake at Home Depot (about $15). Pound that into the ground, then put the birdhouse that has been attached to a 4×4 post in the stake. There are bolts to tighten it. After that, you’ll be set!
Have a great day.
Pam
Thanks so much for the info Pam. This is so simple it’s genius. I’ll do a post when we get it in the ground. J.
Thanks so much for stopping by to read our blog. We hope you continue to visit.
Janette (Autumn)
Gorgeous stuff! I have coveted those oyster plates forever. Love seeing these!
Loved seeing all the lovely majolica. The blue oyster plate caught my eye right away!
The majolica pieces are so interesting which adds to their beauty….Christine
Beautiful collection of Majolica!
Thank you for the virtual tour of this gorgeous set of majolica. I am indeed, thinking about collecting the Wedgwood majolica leaf plates…so far I only have one. Cherry Kay
I love Majolica as well. You have some great pieces here, but the monkey is my favorite.
Hello Jane,
this was a wonderful post, I just love those majolica items. O.K. some look a bit kitchy but some are so gorgeous made like the monkey teapot and the covered game pie container. Would make a gogeous Easter centerpiece. Thank you for showing your treasures.
Greetings, Johanna
What a gorgeous collection! I love the fun theme.
I hope you will stop by and visit the linky party I am hosting. There are prizes!
So intriguing! I’ve never heard this word before but I certainly recognize it. My grandfather had a lamp in this style – a swordfish. The colors and textures in these pieces are really special.
I love all your majolica pieces. Simply gorgeous.
Love the Oyster Plate. I would love to have this style in a Seder Plate. How original that would be! Do you use all or pieces or are they more for collecting? Just curious.
Katheryn
The oyster plate is my favorite — it’s the color, I think. I really enjoyed looking through your photos and reading today’s post. I don’t know tons about this stuff either.