From a sprawling market on an island in the Seine river just outside Paris, we were thrilled to find this magnificent Antique French Iris Jardinière. With a lush yet delicate footprint, this ceramic jardinière is embellished with naturalistic transferware images of rosy iris flowers with their graceful, slender reedlike stems. The iris's distinctive shape and vibrant colors made it a popular motif in art and design. Often depicted in stained glass, wallpaper, jewelry and other decorative arts, this distinctive bloom was associated with ethereal beauty, reflecting the early 20th century's focus on natural forms and flowing lines. Rendered in bold swaths of color that add dimension and detail to the magnificent jardinière, the irises seem to leap from the surface.

Elevated on shapely feet and culminating in integral handles that balance the softly undulating silhouette, this delightful vessel is a joy to behold whether filled with cascading ivy, an orchid or two, or seasonal flowers. Produced by K & G Lunéville Faience, one of France's most renowned pottery manufacturers, this evocative jardinière promises to become a memorable focal point and treasured addition to any collection. 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Circa 1920. In very good antique condition. 15"W x 6"D x 6"H.

Learn More About Luneville Faience

In 1728 Jacques Chambrette established the first earthenware factory in the town of Lunéville, along the river Meuse in the Lorraine region of Eastern France. As a result of its economic and artistic success, the factory was awarded the status of Manufacture Royale de Fayence by the Ducs of Lorraine in 1749.

At the time, the Lunéville manufacture was one of the main rivals of the expanding English and German ceramics centers and Chambrette managed to successfully export his wares throughout Europe.

In 1786 Sébastien Keller bought Lunéville from the Chambrette family and for the next 137 years, the Keller family controlled the company. Around 1832, Sébastien Keller's son formed a partnership with his brother-in-law Guérin to give birth to the mark K&G (or KG) from the names Keller and Guérin.

By 1900, there were around 1,100 employees and the factory's products had a worldwide reputation. Lunéville artisans were inspired by their surroundings; pieces were decorated with flowers, insects, real and fictitious animals and even exotic figures.

As times, styles and fortunes changed, the studios of Luneville Faience were shuttered in 1981 with their long and rich history coming to an end.