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In 1851, a new type of Victorian pottery known as majolica and inspired by the
italian Maiolioca - The most famous ceramic art from the italian reneissance - was introduced
by Herbert Minton and his chemist, Leon Arnoux. Majolica pieces reflected the Victorian interest in the natural sciences –
botany, zoology, entomology. Pieces were modeled in high relief, featuring
butterflies and other insects, flowers and leaves, fruit, shells, animals, and
fish. Teapots and pitchers
were often shaped like pineapples, cabbages, or ears of corn – with each leaf or
kernel modeled in high or low relief. Queen Victoria’s delight with the new pottery helped to seal its success
with the general public.and Majolica presence extended to vases, wall
pockets, beer sets, beer pots, bowl planters,centerbowls, flower pots, grease
jar,jars, jam pot, cornucopia, creamer, cookie jar, canisters, consoles, Serving
bowls, bookends, compote, cigarette boxes, conch shell, console set,
candleholder, bulb bowl, busts, canister set, bookends,lamps, pitchers,
jardinieres, incence burners, ashtray, humidors. baskets, powder jars, temple
jars, water coolers, pill boxes, lidded boxes, washing pots. All through the
Victorian era, majolica kept pace with the other decorative arts. In the 1860s
it adopted the new interest in Oriental-inspired design with pieces shaped like
bamboo and sporting other Asian motifs. At the end of the century, majolica
picked up Art Nouveau’s love of sinuous vines and the calla lily.
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