Small Antique Green Glazed Terracotta Benitier w/ Virgin and Child Relief - 7½"

A petite French wall-mounted holy water font in green glazed terracotta, dating to the late 19th century. The oval plaque is cast in gentle relief with a tender Virgin and Child motif above a hemispherical basin with a softly rounded lip. The glaze shows rich tonal variation, with mottled greens and deeper pooling that enhance the contours of the relief. The surface bears signs of age, with small chips and areas of glaze loss along the edges and high points, contributing to its historic charm. Two small pierced holes near the top allow for hanging with a cord or wire.

Both devotional and decorative, this type of object was traditionally placed near an entry or bedside for daily blessing. Today, it brings a serene, contemplative note to a wall, displaying beautifully on its own or within a gallery of glazed ceramics and religious objects, where its deep green adds richness. It may also serve as a small wall pocket for a sprig of dried lavender or rosemary.