Large Impressionist Art Nouveau Ceramic Vase, Barbotine Floral Decor With Roses, Ca 1900

Large Impressionist Art Nouveau Slip Ceramic Vase
This large ceramic vase, dating from circa 1900, features a stunning floral decoration of roses, foliage, and rosebuds in the Impressionist Art Nouveau style. The vase is signed within the decoration and numbered under the base (see images). It is in very good condition, with three visible marks under the base corresponding to the tripod firing supports used in the kilns (highlighted in the images with red arrows).
The vase is attributed to the Choisy-le-Roi factory, though it is also plausible that it originates from Montigny-sur-Loing or the renowned American Rookwood Pottery factory. The stylistic and technical elements of this piece align with characteristics specific to these prestigious workshops, which were active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Attribution and Context

Choisy-le-Roi: Known for merging utilitarian and artistic creations, this French ceramic manufacturer distinguished itself with its intricate decorations, polychrome enamels, and Art Nouveau-inspired motifs. Founded in 1804 by Laurent Moyne and later directed by Hippolyte Boulenger from 1863, the factory reached its peak around 1900. During this period, Choisy-le-Roi embraced the naturalist themes and sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, producing ceramics with nuanced polychrome enamels and stylized decorations inspired by flora, fauna, and female figures.

Montigny-sur-Loing: Rooted in the naturalist movement of the Barbizon School, this French faience factory specialized in hand-painted decorative ceramics. Founded in the mid-19th century, it produced pieces depicting rural scenes, flowers, birds, and romantic landscapes on fine earthenware. The use of translucent glazes enhanced the pictorial effect, creating a unique artistic identity.

Rookwood Pottery: Founded in 1880 in the United States, this factory gained fame for its innovative glazes—such as satin and flambé—and decorations inspired by naturalism and Art Nouveau. Its exceptionally finished pieces exhibit a level of quality that could correspond to the attributes observed on this vase.

Precise attribution remains challenging due to stylistic overlaps between these workshops, but the aesthetic and craftsmanship make this vase a representative example of high-quality ceramic art from this era.
The Connection Between Choisy-le-Roi and Montigny-sur-Loing
While Choisy-le-Roi and Montigny-sur-Loing operated within the same tradition of French artistic ceramics, they were distinct entities with different approaches. Choisy-le-Roi leaned towards industrial-scale production while maintaining artistic refinement, particularly with its Art Nouveau designs. In contrast, Montigny-sur-Loing adhered to the bucolic, hand-painted naturalist style inspired by the Fontainebleau forest landscapes.
Both factories contributed significantly to the evolution of decorative ceramics in France, offering collectors today a glimpse into an era when artistry and functionality were harmoniously combined.

Packaging and Delivery Costs

Collection: Free

Belgium: €30

France: €70

Europe: €100

Rest of the World: On request