Antique Blue & White Hand-Painted Spanish Majolica Umbrella Stand/Urn, 21” Tall For Sale

This antique Spanish Majolica umbrella stand/urn is a beautiful hand-painted ceramic piece standing at 21\" tall. Signed M.D. Potters in Spain, Italy and across Europe made tin-glazed earthenware, often called majolica or faience, using a white lead glaze that provided a smooth surface for hand painting. These vessels were created during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to imitate earlier Renaissance styles, serving as decorative ornaments for grand interiors. Artisans painted each piece by hand with metallic oxides, typically cobalt blue, before firing them at high temperatures to set the vibrant designs.Wealthy homeowners and collectors used these large vases to adorn fireplace mantels, entryways, and large reception rooms. They were placed prominently to display classical artistry and traditional craftsmanship, often holding dried arrangements or standing empty as sculptural showpieces. Over time, central heating and shifting interior design preferences led to a decline in the production of such heavy, decorative ceramic urns.The traditional blue and white color scheme and intricate Majolica style give it a timeless and elegant look. Its original design and pottery construction add to its charm as a unique decorative collectible from Spain. Perfect for adding a touch of vintage flair to any home or collection.Potters in Italy and across Europe made tin-glazed earthenware, often called majolica or faience, using a white lead glaze that provided a smooth surface for hand painting. These vessels were created during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to imitate earlier Renaissance styles, serving as decorative ornaments for grand interiors. Artisans painted each piece by hand with metallic oxides, typically cobalt blue, before firing them at high temperatures to set the vibrant designs.Wealthy homeowners and collectors used these large vases to adorn fireplace mantels, entryways, and large reception rooms. They were placed prominently to display classical artistry and traditional craftsmanship, often holding dried arrangements or standing empty as sculptural showpieces. Over time, central heating and shifting interior design preferences led to a decline in the production of such heavy, decorative ceramic urns.Acquired by seller in the 1970’s from El Rastro which was located on Bleecker and Perry Streets in Greenwich Village. The shop specialized in Spanish imported furniture and antiques. It was famously featured in historical New York Times guides highlighting the distinct cultural treasures of the Village.The striking historic Spanish ceramic art on Bleecker Street is found in the vibrant Spanish majolica (azulejo) tile mural located at the corner of Bleecker Street and Perry Street (specifically on the side of 88 Perry Street).This stunning blue-and-white tiled blind arch was commissioned in 1972 by Manuel Jimenez. Jimenez owned the building and operated a beloved Spanish antique shop on the ground floor called El Rastro. The tiles are true Andalusian-style ceramics, handcrafted in Seville, Spain by the famous artisan maker Fábrica Mensaque Rodríguez y Compañia.Fast forward a full century: In February of 1970, Manuel Jimenez, an immigrant from Argentina who had studied architecture in his home country, bought 88 Perry Street. He opened a Spanish antique shop in the ground floor storefront. He called it El Rastro, after the market of the same name in Madrid.The west side of Manhattan from Christopher Street to 23rd Street was once known as”Little Spain.” For a time, more than 15,000 Spaniards and their American-born children and grandchildren lived in this neighborhood. When Mr. Jimenez renovated the building in 1972, he commissioned Fábrica Mensaque Rodríguez y Compañia, a world-renowned artisan maker of “azulejo” tiles from Seville, Spain to create the tile mural for the recessed area in the wall. Prior to 1972, the north wall of 88 Perry was a drab brick wall reflecting the building’s tenement status. Since then, this work of art has been an essential component of the neighborhood’s beauty, character, and charm. It has been widely photographed by locals as well as passing tourists, and has become a beloved local landmark. It is a happy reminder of and nod to Little Spain and the Spanish immigrants who were once a vibrant part of Greenwich Village.Please refer to photos to better assess condition as they are the best indicator of actual condition.Acquired by seller in the 1970’s, it has been located only in one room since that time