Creamed Majolica Corn

Of all the vegetables represented on majolica, corn is by far the most common. Potteries on both sides of the Atlantic made corn themed wares. From Wedgwood and George Jones to the Etruscan Works and Tenuous of New York, corn wares were potted and are eagerly collected by majolica enthusiasts today. It is my understanding that all these corn wares were created for the American market. That would certainly make sense since the American Victorians were the largest consumers of majolica wares and of the corn itself.

The most elegant of these to my eye are those usually attributed to the English potter Adams & Bromley although Wardle made a very similar design. These beautifully designed pieces evoke the Art Nouveau designs of the period to transform the homely corn cob to an extraordinary symphony of sinuous husks and cobs on a basketweave ground.

Adams & Bromley majolica cornbread platter

Adams & Bromley majolica corn cheese bell

From the same company there is a corn and harvest themed garden seat.

Adams & Bromley majolica garden seat

Always popular with collectors, corn pitchers and syrups from both the U.S. and England come in every shape and size.

Adams & Bromley majolica corn pitcher

Brush McCoy corn pitcher

Brush McCoy corn beverage set

Tenuous majolica corn creamer 

Etruscan Majolica corn creamer from an English original

Corn vases are also popular.

Adams & Bromley majolica corn vase

Wedgwood majolica corn bud vase

Canisters, teapots and cornbread trays are all popular from both sides of the Atlantic.

English majolica corn tea set

English majolica corn tea kettle

Brush McCoy corn canister

Tenuous Majolica corn tray

Tenuous majolica corn tray

Wedgwood majolica cornbread platter

There is even a corn toothpick holder from Portugal with a little mouse.

The American Etruscan corn pieces are particularly interesting. The GSH Corn Pitcher is a smaller but otherwise exact copy of a Brown Westhead Moore design. The same design was copied by French potteries as well.

Etruscan Majolica corn pitcher

The Etruscan Corn Teapot is a rare original design that appears to have also been modeled from the BWM pitcher. It was made in two sizes.

Etruscan Majolica corn teapot

On the other hand, the tiny GSH Corn Vase appears to have been modeled from life with a mold cast from a real cob of corn. It bears no resemblance to the company's other corn pieces. It is easily the most realistic of the majolica corn wares I have seen.

Etruscan Majolica corn bud vase

I have also seen majolica corn plates, sugar bowls, trays, salt and pepper shakers, mustard pots and ink wells. With so much variety available it is easy to understand the ware's enduring popularity.