Rare 19th Century Palissy Style French Majolica Centerpiece - 15¾"

This grand centerpiece, dating to circa 1870, is executed in richly modeled majolica and belongs to the lineage of works inspired by Bernard Palissy, in the manner of Thomas Sergent and his circle. Formed in two separate elements, the deeply sculpted bowl is set into the pedestal foot, its weight and shaping allowing it to sit securely while remaining distinct. The bowl is animated by an elaborate relief decoration of grotesque masks and sirens that cascade well below the rim. The handles, formed as naturalistic serpents twisting outward from the rim, directly reference Palissy’s celebrated reptiles and aquatic creatures, while the overall decorative vocabulary draws from the Renaissance tradition of grotto ornament - an imaginative world populated by mythic figures, flowing forms, and a sense of cultivated fantasy.

The glazed surface is alive with saturated blues, greens, and creamy tones, recalling the experimental, nature-driven palette of Palissy’s terres vernissées. Both sculptural and painterly, the piece reflects the 19th century’s fascination with historic revival styles and the rediscovery of Renaissance ceramics through a romantic lens.

This statement vessel brings sculptural presence to a dining table, console, or mantel. Use it as a centerpiece with fruit, moss, or seasonal branches, or leave it unfilled to showcase the powerful relief and striking color. The two part construction allows the bowl to lift from the base for ease of styling and cleaning, and its classical lines sit comfortably alongside neoclassical, traditional, or eclectic interiors, adding depth, history, and a refined sense of drama.