French Turquoise Crackle-Glaze Ceramic Jar with White Metal Pineapple Finial, 1920s

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A vivid turquoise crackle glaze defines this globular ceramic pot and matching domed lid. The high-gloss glaze runs over a … Read more A vivid turquoise crackle glaze defines this globular ceramic pot and matching domed lid. The high-gloss glaze runs over a fine network of dark crazing lines, creating a deep web of surface texture reminiscent of traditional Chinese monochrome ceramics that heavily influenced French art pottery during the Art Deco era. Crowning the lid is a sculptural pineapple finial resting on spreading acanthus leaves, attached through the cover by an integral threaded metal rod. Pineapples traditionally symbolise hospitality and abundance. The metalwork remains unpolished, showing an aged, dark silver-grey patina across the raised foliage and scale detailing. While displaying the character of export silver, the metal bears no visible hallmarks and is offered as white metal. The vessel displays strong Chinoiserie taste, manufactured in France around 1920. The clean, rounded contour of the jar is balanced by a short spreading pedestal foot, creating a harmonious contrast against the textured, dark metal finial. Underneath, the recessed base and unglazed foot rim reveal a dark, dense clay body with faint, indistinct impressed markings that remain unidentified. The interior of the lid is finished in an off-white glaze with raw unglazed rims where the lid rests securely on the jar rim. Overall measurements are approximately 16 cm in height to the top of the finial and 14 cm at the widest point of the ceramic body. See less