J. Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme Cobalt Box & Cover, Signed, English, ca. 1880
J. Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme Cobalt Box & Cover, Signed, English, ca. 1880
Joseph Holdcroft Majolica Japonisme square shaped box and cover, glazed in cobalt blue, with relief molded flying cranes, flowering prunus branches, and squirrels, the cover bordered with a Greek key design, with a prunus branch handle above two interlocking diamond-shaped cartouches, one with a geisha on a pink glazed ground, the other with a crescent moon for good luck and prosperity, the reverse with impressed mark, 'J. HOLDCROFT.'
This design is documented in the Karmason Library of the Majolica International Society, Number KL006608P, with the designation 'Rare.'
For over thirty years we have been among the preeminent specialist in fine antique majolica.
Book references:
Susan Weber et al., MAJOLICA MANIA: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States 1850--1915. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2020, Volume Two, p. 342, FIG. 22.21. Jeffrey B. Snyder, ANTIQUE MAJOLICA. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2005, p. 249.