Emile L'Herminé Declercq - Flower pot - Majolica

France • Orchies • Large majolica cache-pot or plant pot in barbotine technique • Relief decoration of a wooden cask surrounded by purple and blue morning glories (morning glory) • Circa 1900 - 1920

France Orchies Large majolica cache-pot or plant pot in barbotine technique is a superb example of refined French pottery from the early 20th century. The pot stands out immediately for the exceptionally lively texture of the relief, with the veins of the wooden tub faithfully imitated in the clay. What truly distinguishes this example for the discerning collector is the eye for detail in the polychrome painting: the flowing transitions in the green leaves and the delicate shading in the purple-blue petals of the windflowers testify to pure craftsmanship. Moreover, the deep, glossy turquoise or duck-egg blue glaze on the inside forms a breathtaking visual contrast with the earthy, natural tones of the exterior. The object possesses a tangible presence and a substantial quality that is rare for fragile barbotine ceramics from this period.

Interior advice and Presence:

This monumental cache-pot immediately brings an organic, historical elegance to any interior. Placed on a windowsill or a sideboard, the glossy barbotine glaze responds beautifully to changing daylight, further accentuating the depth effect of the relief. The piece makes a perfect focal point in a classical or Art Nouveau-inspired interior, but it also functions as a characterful, historic contrast piece within a modern eclectic or Mid-Century Modern décor.

Specifications:

Dimensions: Height 19 cm, width 22 cm, depth 22 cm (interior for plant: height 16 cm, width 14 cm)

Weight: 1700 grams

Material: Majolica / barbotine earthenware with polychrome glaze

Provenance:

From a private Belgian collection of early-20th-century European costume jewelry (siera ard ware).

Condition:

The object is in a beautiful, characterful vintage condition. On the inside and bottom there is the naturally fine craquelé in the glaze typical for objects of this age, as well as the usual small imperfections and minimal signs of use inherent in authentic tableware of more than a century old; see the pictures. This does not detract from the decorative value of this special art object; it also contributes to its character.

Shipping:

The object is packed with the utmost professionalism and care in double cardboard boxes with high-quality cushioning to ensure safe shipping. We always ship with an extra-secure Track and Trace service. Be sure to check the feedback left by satisfied buyers.

Biography and History:

The Orchies faience (located in northern France near the Belgian border) was founded in 1886 by Emile L'Herminé Declercq and later merged in 1923 with the famous Moulin-des-Loups factory to form the Saint-Amand-les-Eaux group. At the turn of the century, the factory reached its artistic peak with the production of majolica and barbotine (slip-decorated ware). This particular object bears on its underside the iconic, embossed windmill mark with the text Orchies / France, which from the early 20th century was used to guarantee French origin and quality.

Catalog reference and context: The embossed model number 15 over 1 and the black factory stamp with the number 61 indicate a specific serial production within the Orchies ateliers, where the organic elements of the Art Nouveau movement were combined with the rustic, naturalistic tradition of 19th-century French costume jewelry.