Victorian Portuguese Palissy Majolica Miniature Toad, circa 1890
A wonderfully characterful late 19th-century Portuguese Palissy-style majolica toad, dating to circa 1890.
This charming miniature creature is beautifully modelled with a wonderfully plump body, outstretched feet and an almost comical expression. The surface has been heavily textured to imitate the naturally warty skin of a toad and is covered in rich, glossy majolica glazes in mottled shades of vivid green, ochre, cream and deep earthy brown.
The piece belongs to the tradition of Portuguese Palissy ware, inspired by the celebrated 16th-century French potter Bernard Palissy and his highly naturalistic ceramics depicting reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and plants. During the 19th century, Portuguese potters embraced this wonderfully eccentric style, producing highly decorative naturalistic wares that are now particularly collectible.
Despite his diminutive size, this little toad has tremendous personality. The individually modelled toes, raised skin texture, painted eyes and softly smiling mouth give him an appealingly lifelike quality.
Two original holes to the underside are associated with the manufacture and firing of the hollow ceramic body and are not considered damage.
The glaze displays attractive age-related crazing and variations associated with an antique piece of this nature, adding considerably to its character.
Date: Circa 1890
Period: Victorian
Origin: Portugal
Style: Palissy ware / naturalistic majolica
Material: Glazed earthenware
Subject: Toad / frog
Size: MiniatureMeasures: 6 x 7cm
Condition: Antique condition with age-related crazing, glaze variations and wear commensurate with approximately 135 years of age. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
A delightful and slightly eccentric Victorian Portuguese curiosity, perfect for a collection of antique majolica, Palissy ware or simply as a wonderfully unexpected little object for an English country-house interior.
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