Majolica Grape Pedestal Boats

Sold as presented; to be candled by Salvage Bohemia.

Approx. 14 oz wax pour (pair) • $2.30 per oz

A wonderfully sculptural pair of 19th-century English majolica sauce boats, modeled with an exuberant arrangement of fruit, berries, leaves, and curling naturalistic handles. Each vessel rests on its own fitted leaf-form underplate, creating an almost entirely botanical composition from base to rim.

The rich emerald-green glaze settles into the deeply molded surfaces, emphasizing every vein, berry, stem, and fold of the leaves. Rather than relying on painted decoration, the design gets its character from relief and form, a hallmark of the naturalistic majolica that became enormously fashionable in Victorian Britain during the second half of the 19th century. English potteries produced elaborate serving pieces inspired by gardens and the natural world, with strawberries, grapes, berries, blossoms, leaves, and vines appearing across dessert and table wares. 

Originally intended for the Victorian table as sauce or dessert serving vessels, these have a particularly playful second life as candle vessels. Once filled, the wax will sit within the sculptural berry-covered bowl while the dramatic leaf underplate remains completely visible beneath it. 

Use the pair together down the center of a dining table, separately on a kitchen island and sideboard, or bring one into a library or bedside setting where the saturated green adds an unexpected shot of color. After the candle is finished, the pieces remain collectible antique majolica and can return to use as decorative serving pieces or simply be displayed together.

Origin: England, 19th century
Material: Glazed earthenware / majolica
Condition: Excellent antique condition with expected characteristics of age and manufacture