French Majolica Tree Cottage Humidor. Majolica experts know all the caveats. First and foremost, good Majolica has heft. Avoid flimsy lightweight items. They were made to mimic the early goods, and frankly, they're all too plentiful. Also, make sure colored glazes are appropriate for the subject matter of the piece, ie, leaves are green, etc. Hallmarks are helpful, but Majolica was mass produced, so few companies really hallmarked. This piece does bear the mark,"GB and Co. Depose." It is in excellent condition, with one small chip in the pipe storage cup. It's good to note here, when collecting earthenware, chips ARE okay, providing they do not detract from the aesthetics of the piece. With old soft glazes, age cracks will appear, and chips are common. Value is not diminished. Items like our happy humidor were made through the 1880s. Few remain so charmingly intact.
Approximate Dimensions: 9"H X 8"W
