A highly decorative and rare pair of antique Italian Renaissance Revival tin-glazed majolica vessels, manufactured by the Cantagalli pottery in Florence, circa 1890, during the lifetime of its founder, Ulisse Cantagalli (1839-1901). Produced during the factory's most celebrated period, the pair comprises an elegant baluster ewer and a matching scalloped-rim vase inspired by the finest Italian Renaissance maiolica traditions.
The ewer features a sculptural handle modelled as a long-necked heron or stork, while the accompanying vase is designed in a corresponding baluster form with a scalloped rim and pedestal foot.
Both pieces are hand-painted in underglaze polychrome enamels in the classic Raffaellesco style. The decoration features fantastic birds, a winged siren, scrolling acanthus foliage and grotesques on a warm cream ground. The shoulders, rims and pedestal feet are enriched with traditional geometric bands in cobalt blue, ochre yellow, copper green and manganese.
Of particular importance are the factory marks. The undersides bear the early freehand underglaze Cantagalli cockerel (Gallo) marks, painted individually by different workshop artists rather than applied by transfer or stamp. One rooster is executed in manganese black and the other in cobalt blue. Neither mark includes later export additions such as "Italy", "Made in Italy" or stamped factory inscriptions. The present pair displays all the characteristics associated with the highly regarded early production of the Ulisse Cantagalli period.
Ulisse Cantagalli devoted his workshop to reviving the techniques and artistic traditions of the great Italian Renaissance maiolica centres. During the 1880s and 1890s, the factory gained international recognition, receiving gold medals and major awards at exhibitions in Milan, Turin, Antwerp and Rome. Its reputation was further enhanced by the British Museum's favourable recommendation at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900. Today, works produced during the lifetime of Ulisse Cantagalli are among the most sought-after examples of the Italian Renaissance Revival.
Despite an extensive search of museum collections, auction archives and published Cantagalli material, we have been unable to locate another documented example of this pair. This strongly suggests that it was produced in very limited numbers, possibly for exhibition purposes.
Dimensions:
Ewer: Weight 469 g
Height 22 cm. Vase: Weight 293 g
Height 16.5 cm
Condition:
The ewer remains in excellent antique condition, with only a few small chips to the sculptural bird handle. The accompanying vase has minor enamel chips to the upper rim and foot rim but is otherwise in excellent condition. Ultraviolet examination of both pieces revealed no evidence of restoration or repair.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.