Rare 19th-Century Italian Majolica Lion Garden Stool / Sculptural Cocktail Table

A highly unusual and sculptural 19th-century Italian majolica lion, crafted in a rich ochre glaze and modeled with expressive detail throughout. Works of this scale and whimsy—merging functional design with figural sculpture—were produced in very limited numbers, making surviving examples exceptionally rare today.

The piece features a beautifully hand-modeled lion standing atop a rectangular plinth, supporting a classical-style pedestal top with acanthus accents. The glaze is deeply saturated and characteristically crackled, with charming age-related wear and kiln nuances that speak to its handmade origins. The lion’s face is wonderfully animated, while the tail, paws, and musculature are rendered with a delightful folk-baroque sensibility typical of southern Italian pottery workshops of the 1800s.

This work straddles the line between functional object and sculptural art—perfect as a garden stool, cocktail table, plant stand, or purely decorative accent. Its scale is substantial yet versatile, making it a striking addition to an entry, conservatory, or layered interior vignette.

Pieces of this type are remarkably scarce, as few survived outdoor use, weathering, and the fragility of historic ceramics. The presence of its original glaze, base, and overall silhouette makes this an exceptional example.

Dimensions

18.5” H × 21” W × 10” D

Condition

Beautiful age-appropriate wear with craquelure and small glaze losses. Structurally stable and displays beautifully.

(Surface variations and small firing flaws consistent with 19th-century majolica.)

Rarity Notes

• Large figural majolica lions are seldom seen outside major collections.

• Survival with original glaze and base intact is highly unusual.

• The dual-purpose functionality (stool/table/stand) adds to its desirability.

• Expressive sculptural modeling makes it a collector-level decorative object.