An exceptional pair of Italian hand-painted majolica vases dating to the late 19th century.

The elegant baluster-shaped bodies are raised on pedestal bases and feature elaborate sculptural handles formed as intertwined serpents terminating in expressive mascarons. One side of each vase is decorated with finely painted mythological scenes depicting mounted warriors, while the reverse features Cupid set within an idyllic landscape. Executed in vibrant cobalt blue, green, ochre, manganese, and iron oxide enamels, the decoration reflects the rich tradition of Italian Renaissance Revival maiolica.

With their sculptural modeling, lively narrative decoration, and impressive craftsmanship, these vases make a striking decorative statement and are excellent examples of late nineteenth-century Italian ceramic art.

Dimensions:

Height: 34 cm (13.4 in)

Width: 17 cm (6.7 in)

Depth: 15 cm (5.9 in)

Condition:

Overall, the pair is in very good antique condition for the period.

The left vase has two small restored breaks to the sculptural serpent handle, one on the front and one on the reverse, both retaining the original detached elements. It also shows several minor glaze losses on the body and a restored glaze chip along the orange foot rim. An additional glaze loss at the junction between the body and the foot has been professionally colour-matched.

The right vase has no breaks to the sculptural handles. It displays a small restored glaze chip to the orange foot rim together with a minor colour-matched glaze restoration near the lower section.

Both vases show evidence of an old restoration where the pedestal base joins the body. The joins are stable and structurally secure, although the restoration is visible upon close inspection.

Minor glaze losses and age-related wear are present throughout, consistent with nineteenth-century majolica.

(The photographs form an integral part of the description.)