"Antique French Hb Choisy Le Roi Majolica Holy Water Font - Gothic Design."
This 19th-century French holy water font is a remarkable example of majolica craftsmanship, designed with both devotion and artistic elegance in mind. Often displayed on the walls of private chapels or in the homes of devout Catholics.The architectural design, evoking a miniature altar adorned with Gothic details and a central relief depiction of the Crucifixion, highlights the exceptional artistry of its era. French majolica from this period is celebrated for its vibrant color palette, here showcased in rich shades of green, brown, and gold, with expertly applied enamel that enhances its visual appeal.
Historical Context
This font is signed "HB Choisy Le Roi," referencing the renowned ceramic manufacturer in Choisy-le-Roi, France. The "HB" mark represents Hippolyte Boulenger, a prominent French ceramicist who took over the factory in 1863, transforming it into one of France’s most significant producers of decorative ceramics by the late 19th century.
Majolica, a type of polychrome glazed ceramic originating from the Italian Renaissance, was widely adopted in 19th-century France, where factories like Choisy-le-Roi thrived. These manufacturers catered to the bourgeois demand for decorative liturgical and domestic items such as fonts, figurines, and vases. This piece exemplifies the blended Gothic and Renaissance decorative styles popular in this era.
Key Features
Glazed majolica, known for its vibrant, lustrous finish and detailed polychrome decoration.
Neo-Gothic architectural style featuring steep rooflines, columns, and intricate vegetal embellishments. The design mimics small altarpieces or Gothic façades.
A raised cross symbolizing Christian devotion, with a lower basin designed to hold holy water.
Dominant tones of greens, golds, and browns, characteristic of French religious ceramics from this period.
Approximately 25 x 10 cm, suitable for private use or small chapels
This holy water font reflects the height of 19th-century French majolica production, influenced by Italian and Spanish techniques yet characterized by uniquely French innovation. Workshops like Choisy-le-Roi and Lunéville responded to a growing demand for religious objects during the post-Napoleonic resurgence of Christian devotion.
Often found in devout households, these fonts were practical and decorative, serving as tools of faith and spiritual purification while showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
Measurements
Height - 30cms
Width - 15cms
Deep - 4cms
Condition
The piece appears well-preserved with no visible cracks. Its polychrome decoration remains vivid, and minor surface marks from natural aging add authenticity and charm. This font has retained its structural integrity with a beautiful craquelure.
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