rare turn of the century french majolica crab tureen by Fives-Lille

One of our favourite finds to date is this incredible example of French majolica (or barbotine) by majolica manufacturer Fives-Lille.

Majolica at the turn of the century focused on colourful subject matter like fruit, flowers and animals. 

This incredible piece is truly a rare find, as normally these figures were a part of a larger design on vases or plates.

Features stunning, realistic details and an impressive size that is almost more tureen than trinket box. 

On the underside you’ll find the Fives-Lille hallmark. 

In excellent antique condition with only a small, negligible chip on the underside.

Truly a rare heirloom piece, ready to cherish for years to come. 

Sourced from an estate in Aix-en-Provence. 

History of Fives-Lille   

The story of the majolica of Fives-Lille begins which Antione Gustave De Bruyn, a fourth generation potter from Belgium. In 1864 he left Belgium and moved to Fives-Lille, a community in the northern part of France to make his fortune in the French pottery trade.

He began by building his own factory for the production of clay pipes and whistles. Soon the business was expanded to include earthenware and stoneware for daily use. Art pottery and the newly popular majolica were incorporated into the company's catalog in 1887. Soon majolica became the body of choice for the production of humidors, jardinières, vases and umbrella stands. The company's silver medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889, was a testament to its success.

oon the company was employing 300+ locals in the production of majolica, sanitary wares and art pottery. The company's large European majolica and art pottery export trade attracted the attention of designers throughout France. Among those who collaborated with the pottery were Louis Majorelle, the designer of extraordinary art nouveau furniture and Rene Lalique who was famous for his distinctive jewelry and glassware. It took the onset of WWI and a devastating fire in 1917 to cut short the company's success.

By the mid 1920's the company was back to production. It enjoyed prosperity with Art Deco pottery and ceramic clocks until the early 1930's when economic and political factors in Europe shut down the factory. Closed for the duration of WWII, the pottery opened again after the war. It was sold in 1950 and resumed limited production until 1962 when the company was dissolved.

dimensions: 8"W x 5.5"D x 2.5"H

please note there is a small chip on one of the legs