ITrompe l'oeil Whimsy: Italian Creamware Duck Tureens

Object: Pair of Soup Tureens and Covers, modeled as Ducks
Factory: Pasquale Antonibon Factory (Period of Giovanni Maria Baccin)
Origin: Nove di Bassano, Veneto, Italy
Date: Circa 1775-1802
Medium: Creamware (Terraglia)

This charming pair of soup tureens from the renowned Nove di Bassano factory represents the peak of Italian trompe l'oeil ceramic design. Made in fine creamware (a high-quality earthenware known as terraglia in Italy), the tureens are ingeniously modeled in the lifelike form of ducks resting on a mound, transforming a functional piece of tableware into a delightful sculptural object.

The term trompe l'oeil (French for "deceive the eye") refers to the artistic technique that creates the illusion that the depicted objects are three-dimensional and real. These tureens perfectly embody this style, as they would have sat on the dinner table creating the witty illusion of a pair of real wildfowl.

*Form: The detailed modeling captures the natural shape and texture of the ducks, with the body and head forming the cover of the tureen. The base is subtly shaped as a naturalistic mound.

*Glaze: The creamy white color of the creamware, a material popularized by English potters like Wedgwood, provides a lustrous, subtle finish, focusing the viewer's attention entirely on the realism of the sculptural form rather than complex painted decoration. This style was highly fashionable across Europe in the late 18th century.

Historical Context: The Nove Factory

The town of Nove (in the province of Vicenza, Veneto) became one of the most important ceramic centers in northern Italy, largely due to the success of the Pasquale Antonibon Factory.

*The Antonibon Dynasty: The factory, often simply referred to as Nove di Bassano, was a major force in the $18th-century. During the period of Giovanni Maria Baccin (1775-1802), the factory was known for producing high-quality wares that kept pace with contemporary European fashions.

*English Influence: The adoption of creamware was a direct response to the popularity of English ceramics. Italian factories like Nove expertly replicated or adapted these new materials and forms, often applying them to traditional Italian decorative types, such as sculptural tureens. This piece is evidence of that cross-European influence in materials and fashion.

Details
*Dimensions (Each): 11 1/4 inches high x 11 3/4 inches long x 5 1/2 inches deep (28.5 cm x 30 cm)
*Condition: A small crack restored to one cover, and some small chips.

Reference
*La Ceramica nel Veneto: La Terraferma dal XIII al XVIII secolo (Reference for similar majolica and ceramic examples from the Nove region).

(Ref: NY09501-imrr)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Condition: A small crack restored to one cover & some small chips.

Origin:
Italy

Materials & Techniques:
Creamware

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: Italy

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Condition: A small crack restored to one cover & some small chips.