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French Onnaing Majolica Blackamoor and Lions Jardinière, c. 1900 stock #JHlionJardin
A substantial French majolica jardiniere produced by the Onnaing faience works in northern France, circa 1890–1910. The vessel measures approximately 10" high × 18" across and is modeled in high relief with opposing Blackamoor heads supporting a dense canopy of tropical foliage. Beneath the foliage, opposing sculptural groupings of a lion, lioness, and cubs emerges from the landscape base, fully integrated into the form rather than applied as surface ornament.
The modeling is ambitious and deeply undercut, particularly in the lions’ musculature, facial expression, and mane work, and in the rhythmic articulation of the palm and fern leaves above. The glazing is characteristic of Onnaing’s late 19th–early 20th century palette, combining saturated greens, ochres, and browns with a high-gloss finish and natural tonal variation. In very good antique condition, there is a professional restoration to two fern leaves near the rim, executed with care and visually discreet. Additional wear is limited to minor glaze variations and kiln-related irregularities consistent with age and manufacture. No cracks, structural damage, or instability observed. The interior shows typical wear consistent with use as a cache-pot. Overall presentation remains strong, with no losses affecting the sculptural integrity or visual impact. JUNE’S THOUGHTS What distinguishes this example is the coherence of its sculptural program. The Blackamoor heads, foliage, and lions are resolved as a single composition, requiring complex mold work and careful glazing control. Pieces of this ambition were costly to produce and were aimed at a clientele seeking statement ceramics rather than everyday wares. This is Onnaing at its most assertive—technically demanding, visually confident, and unmistakably of its period. |
