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Talking Antiques: Tin-glazed pottery saw heyday during Victorian era's fine dining times
Saturday, September 23, 2000 By Vivian Highberg and Erica Highberg
Majolica is a form of tin-glazed pottery made first in England in the mid-19th century. It is easily recognizable by raised or relief fish, leaves, fruit, vegetables, human figures -- almost any design of nature. Also, bright polychrome colors often were used. Today, we may view the colors as garish and ostentatious, but they were quite desirable in the Victorian era.
Vivian Highberg is a certified antique appraiser and owner of Hilding & Larson Emporium and Appraisals in Mt. Lebanon. Erica Highberg, her daughter, is a free-lance writer and associate at Hilding & Larson.
Talking Antiques is an occasional column about antiques and their value. If you would like to know more about your antiques, send a description and photos of the items to Talking Antiques, c/o Kevin Kirkland, Homes editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 34 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.
Majolica pottery in a vast array of shapes and sizes was produced in abundance for a relatively short period of time. Its creator, Herbert Minton, and his Minton Co. produced it from 1851 to 1869. But soon, Wedgwood jumped on the bandwagon, followed by other prestigious makers of porcelain, including Copeland and Worcester.
Though majolica also was made in France and Germany, the most popular and expensive pieces are generally English or American. In America, one of the most sought-after names is the Pennsylvania firm Griffen, Smith & Co. of Phoenixville, Chester County, founded in 1879. The pattern which brought them fame was "Shell & Seaweed."
As with any piece of pottery or porcelain, look first at the bottom of the piece to find the manufacturer's mark. Some Griffen, Smith & Co. pieces are marked on the bottom "Etruscan Majolica." However, there are many reproductions out there on the secondary market, even in majolica. So the more you learn about a subject, the more equipped you will be to detect the difference.
The popularity of majolica waned at the end of the 19th century, when Queen Victoria's reign was coming to a close. One of the reasons majolica became so popular was the dining customs of the time; there were innumerable forms of eating utensils, each matching a different course, and special serving dishes for oysters, fish, fowl and the like. At the dawning of the 20th century, tastes changed to art nouveau and arts and crafts styles, leaving behind the opulent days of the Victorian era.
There are numerous forms of majolica, including urns, pitchers, plates, figurines, vases, planters, ewers, humidors, covered butter dishes and teapots. Prices vary from some Czech and German plates at $20 each to upward of $5,000 for rare jardinieres on pedestals. Among the prices listed on one Web site selling majolica were oyster plate, $600; fern and leaves platter, $450; leaf design pickle dish, $125; English fern and basket sugar bowl, $295; ram pitcher, $210; covered butter dish with butterfly pattern, $550; Griffen Smith & Co. Geranium plate, $490; Etruscan Majolica (Griffen, Hall & Co.) Shell & Seaweed plate, $250.
During a recent Internet search, we found 90 majolica Web sites on AOL alone. If you are interested in more information on majolica, join the Majolica International Society, founded in New York City in 1989. Starting with just 45 members, it now includes more than 1,000 collectors, dealers and historians from around the world. The society's activities include an annual meeting and sale, quarterly newsletter, regional meetings, auction information and resources to learn, buy, sell and restore all types of majolica. Write to Majolica International Society, 1275 First Ave., PMB 103, New York, NY 10021 or log on at http://www.majolicasociety.com/
Q. I would love to know something about the value of this intricately carved (marble) bust of a young girl. It is 18 inches tall and belongs to a 74-year-old woman who said it was always in her grandmother's home. It is signed CORELU FIRENZE.
-- Janet H., Pittsburgh
This is, indeed, a lovely piece of sculpture of a young child in a bonnet trimmed with flowers. It could be interpreted as a vision of innocence and reverence, as she appears to be praying. The bust appears to be ivory or possibly alabaster. It was made in Italy around the mid- to late-19th century. The artist's name is Corelli, and Firenze means the city of Florence. If it is marble, the replacement cost for this piece of art would be in the range of $1,500 to $3,000, possibly more. If it were alabaster, the price would be considerably less.
Now for the care of your statue. My advice for cleaning marble is "Don't." A periodic dusting will do the trick. Marble is a porous and soft substance that can be damaged by water and air pollution. It can be easily scratched by fingernails and can absorb oils and lotions from your hands.
It is advisable to wear gloves when handling marble statues. As tempting as it is, do not display a bust on a pedestal. For its protection, put it on a solid, flat surface or in a display case.
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