Showrooms

Rare Large Palissy Ware Charger with Naturalistic Decoration

Offered by: James Sansum Inc.

Description
This rare large Palissy ware charger, depicting reptiles, amphibians and crustaceans, is attributed to Charles-Jean Avisseau (1795-1861). Palissy Ware is a nineteenth century term for ceramics produced in the style of the famous sixteenth century French potter, Bernard Palissy (circa 1510-1590), who popularized a rustic form of ceramic art that has endured to this day. Referring to his own work as “rustique,” Palissy created a distinctive style of polychrome lead-glazed earthenware (Majolica) in a somber earth-toned palette, using naturalistic motifs in high relief. He is best known for the grotto he created for Catherine de’ Medici at Tuileries Palace in circa. His distinctive style of pottery is characterized by three-dimensional animals, often aquatic, such as snakes, fish, lizards, frogs and snails, arranged onto large platters with each component modeled and painted individually. Palissy's slinking lizards, coiled snakes, and scaly fish inspired a bevy of European artisans to reinterpret his work, and energize a revival movement that would last until the end of the century. The most important figure in the revivalist movement of the art of Palissy was Charles-Jean Avisseau, whose determination and skill led to the discovery in 1843 of Palissy's lost secrets for glazing and enameling, which created a new enthusiasm for ceramic rustic ware that endured for almost fifty years. His work influenced scores of ceramists across France and well beyond its borders.

Comparative literature: M. Katz and R. Lehr, Palissy Ware 19th Century French Ceramists from Avisseau to Renoleau, London, 1996, p. 52, no. 12.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Earthenware.
Condition:	Good. Very good antique condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Creation Date:	1850 - 1855
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	339288