Pair of English Majolica Jardinières on Pedestals, Mid-19th Century - 49¼"

This rare pair of English majolica jardinières on pedestals dates to the mid-19th century and is made in richly glazed earthenware. The pair is distinguished by its saturated palette, particularly the deep cobalt blue, and by the sculptural, petal-like form of the bowls. No maker’s mark has been identified. The pieces remain in good decorative condition, with scattered chips and crazing to the interiors, an old restoration to one petal, and some loss of glaze to the upper surface of one pedestal. These signs of age are consistent with their period and do little to detract from the pair’s overall decorative strength. 

Majolica became an important part of Victorian ceramic production after Minton introduced its brilliantly colored lead-glazed earthenware at the Great Exhibition of 1851. As indoor gardening became increasingly fashionable, large jardinières on pedestals combined the display of prized plants with bold color and sculptural form. 

Their generous scale, vivid cobalt color, and the visual harmony of two matching examples give the pair a striking presence. Placed together, they can frame a doorway, console, or window, while separated they create a cohesive decorative thread across different areas of a room. Complete pairs of this scale and character are increasingly difficult to find.