Majolica Vase Appraisal

Majolica Style Double-Handled Amphora Vase with Feline Motif

This is a double-handled amphora-shaped vase, likely crafted from earthenware or terracotta and adorned with a majolica-style glaze. The primary colors visible are an off-white or cream base, earthy brown, golden yellow, and a muted green, with accents of orange. The vase features a bulbous body that tapers to a smaller neck and mouth, and a splayed, footed base. Two small, decorative lug handles are attached near the shoulder of the vase, painted with green accents. The central decorative element is a large, circular medallion on the body of the vase, framed by a zigzag pattern in brown and white. Inside the medallion, a stylized feline creature, possibly a lion or tiger, is depicted in golden yellow, outlined and detailed in brown, against an earthy brown background. The feline is shown in a recumbent or seated position. Above and below this central motif, the neck and foot of the vase are decorated with horizontal bands. The neck features a green band with a white and orange zigzag pattern, while the foot has similar banding in green, yellow, and cream. The overall construction appears robust. Visible condition issues include areas of glaze loss, particularly on the green banding around the handles and base, and some surface inconsistencies that suggest age and use. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures in the provided images. The style, with its vivid colors and folkloric animal motif, suggests it could be a piece of Italian or Mediterranean pottery, possibly dating from the late 19th to mid-20th century, though without marks, a precise age is challenging to determine. The hand-painted details indicate artisan craftsmanship, and the slightly uneven application of glazes contributes to its unique, rustic charm.