Vase, flowerpot in Gien earthenware, 19th century

Napoleon III period. Antique Gien earthenware planter. 19th century Renaissance model. A very imposing and elegant planter, made of fine earthenware, delicately and beautifully hand-painted. Useful and decorative at the same time, it surely adds warmth to a home. The Italian Renaissance decor on a white background imitates the Italian majolicas of Deruta, Faenza, Urbino, etc., with grotesque motifs. The Italian Renaissance decor on a blue or brown background is called Gien decor. In 1871, decorators developed a blue used as a background for grotesque decorations inspired by 15th century Italy. The motifs in yellow, white and brown highlights represent chimeras, foliage, bearded men, masks, children, etc. Sometimes the shape of the pieces is worked into sculpture, like the handles of vases in snakes, muzzles or masks. Length 32 cm. Width 16 cm. Height 21 cm.