Set of Five Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Majolica Pitchers

A harmonious set of five majolica pitchers, likely French and early 20th century, each presents a distinct form and floral relief in a warm palette of blush, cream, celadon, ochre, and chestnut. The group includes petite to medium shapes from bulbous bodies with ruffled lips to taller cylindrical forms, all with loop handles and glossy glazes that highlight tulips, roses, trellis panels, and basketweave details. Condition is very good overall, with light age‑appropriate crazing, one pitcher with a chip on the spout. These pitchers reflect the enduring appeal of French majolica at the turn of the 20th-century, when naturalistic motifs and sinuous plant forms shaped ceramics under the influence of Art Nouveau. Relief modeling gave depth to blossoms and leaves, while colored slips and clear lead glazes produced the saturated tones seen here.

Workshops in regions such as Sarreguemines, Saint‑Clement, and Desvres popularized such table and kitchen wares, intended for everyday serving yet designed to bring decorative color to the dresser or table during the Belle Epoque and into the interwar years. For today’s interiors, display the set together on open kitchen shelving or a dining room dresser to introduce warm color and texture, or scatter them along a mantel for a collected note. Each piece works handsomely as a small vase for garden stems on a breakfast table, bedside, or entry console. Their varied heights and patterns layer easily with white ironstone, copper cookware, and natural linens, bringing a soft country accent to traditional, cottage, or eclectic spaces.