Gustave De Bruyn Art Nouveau Ceramic Jardinière circa 1900 - 8¾" x 17"

Striking and finely modeled, this centerpiece jardinière is a refined Art Nouveau work from around 1900 by Gustave De Bruyn. The low oval form, fitted with twin foliate handles, is decorated on two faces with differing reliefs: one more elaborate, the other deliberately simpler, creating visual interest from all angles. Both sides are animated by crisp, deeply molded motifs of pointed, thistle-like leaves and stylized blossoms, arranged in balanced, symmetrical compositions. The sharp relief is accented with soft gray-blue and cream tones that stand out beautifully against the lustrous chestnut glaze. A scalloped rim with a repeating stylized floral border, echoed on the molded foot and sculptural handles, completes the piece with cohesion and elegance.

Gustave De Bruyn (1848–1926) was a Belgian ceramist and a key figure in the decorative arts of his time, known for his richly modeled and vividly glazed earthenware. Based in the Lille region, his manufactory, De Bruyn & Cie, operated from 1864 until 1962 and became celebrated for bridging traditional artisanal craftsmanship with the potentials of early industrial production. Around the turn of the 20th century, De Bruyn’s work aligned closely with the Art Nouveau movement, embracing naturalistic forms and deep relief decoration that suited both architectural interiors and domestic display. His ceramics are admired for their saturated color, relief detail, and sculptural vitality, qualities that earned him success in both French and Belgian markets during his lifetime.

Set it on a dining table or console with a discreet liner for freshly cut flowers, or use it as a cachepot for bulbs and seasonal plantings. Its chestnut glaze, pale blue highlights, and thistle-like motifs make it an ideal centerpiece for autumn and winter holiday tables. It is also perfectly suited to recreating an early-1900s veranda or winter-garden atmosphere, evoking the Art Nouveau taste for sculptural ceramics displayed among greenery. Placed on a mantel or sideboard, it reads as a sculptural accent in its own right, bringing warmth, texture, and a quiet sense of history to both traditional interiors and thoughtfully collected contemporary spaces.

Condition and patina consistent with age.
Approx. overall 8¾" high x 17" long x 8¼" wide
Approx. overall 22cm high x 43cm long x 21cm wide