Schiller military majolica jardiniere
On this Memorial Day I thought I would highlight majolica with a military theme.
There is no majolica with any American military personnel that I am aware of, but there are quite a few French and Austrian pieces with military themes mostly from the turn of the century.
The first one that I became aware of is probably one of the strangest majolica pitchers I've ever seen. It was potted by the Orchies company to commemorate the Russian encroachment on the Far East. The pitcher is of a large Russian polar bear grabbing control of a Korean soldier. This invasion of Korea in 1898 ultimately led to the Boxer Rebellion and the Russo-Japanese War.
Orchies Russian Korean bear pitcher
The majority of military themed items are less specific in nature and in smoke-related items. Some of these may have been famous figures that would have been familiar to the general population but I really don't know for sure.
Continental majolica soldier smoke stand
German Lieb Vaterland Magst Sein Franco-Prussian soldier
Austrian majolica figure humidor
Austrian majolica figural humidor
Fives Lille majolica humidor Hoche
There were also pitchers made of military figures.
Onnaing majolica Réserviste pitcher
Sarraguemines majolica pitcher
Sarreguemines majolica Soldat Francois
Here is a Sarreguemines pitcher of Napoleon and another unmarked of same.
Here is an unusual tobacco jar of a tank dating from WW1.
Fives Lille majolica tabacco jar Char Renault
Of course there is Minton’s large Prometheus Vase with Roman military figures.
Minton majolica Prometheus Vase
A wonderful Onnaing armistice plate.
Finally there is the wonderful Renaissance helmet pitcher made by Wedgwood.
Wedgwood majolica helmet jug
With Memorial Day we come to the end of the Spring antiques season. Some of you will be traveling to Great Britain and Europe to advance your majolica collections while others will be heading for the beach. Whatever you do, be safe and have a wonderful summer!
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