French soldier majolica pitcher, late 19th century

"Vive la réduction des périodes" (Long live the reduction of military service terms) soldier pitcher.

This antique majolica water pitcher was manufactured by Onnaing in northern France around 1880. The colorful pitcher depicts a brave soldier dressed in a pre-1914 French army uniform (blue and red); he is seated on a barrel, asking for a reduction in military service terms, and displays wonderful facial expressions. The ceramic vessel is in excellent condition (with one small, old chip at the top—see photo) and features rich, hand-painted colors in a blue and red palette. It is stamped on the bottom and numbered 752.

A beautiful display piece themed around the outbreak of war in August 1914.

Featured in the book *Pichets en Barbotine* by Maryse Bottero.

The Onnaing pottery works (*Faïencerie d'Onnaing*) was founded in Onnaing, France, in 1821 by Charles de Bousies. During the second half of the 19th century, the Mouzin brothers acquired the factory and managed it until its closure in 1938. It was nearly destroyed by the Germans during World War I, but production resumed in 1921. The factory primarily produced majolica pitchers and planters. Onnaing's designs included, among others, flowers, geometric patterns, and famous historical figures. Each model bore a number and a corresponding model name.

Height: 29 cm.