French Normandy Vindefontaine Kaolin Beverage Fountain, Mid 19th C.

A large and heavy Vindefontaine Beverage Fountain, Normandy, France, circa 1840 – 1850.

Referred to as a fountain, this vessel was used for the storing and serving of water or wine.

Glazed in a treacle glazed earthenware of brown and black with a raised Kaolin clay decoration in an ivory color, the body is decorated with stylized daisy flowers and stems in light relief. Finished with twin ermine handles, and a capped head for a lid. The body is flat backed and sits on a circular footing. The pour spout is at the front near the base, and would have been corked.

Vindefontaine is a former commune in the Manche department in Normandy, north-western France. This active pottery center was known for its production of unusual objects, especially butter pots, pitchers, and the fountains with brown glazing decorated with an ivory colored kaolin clay. Production stopped in 1894 following a massive fire that burned a large part of the villages where the workshops were located.

24.75 in. H x 12.25 in. W x 7.25 in. D
In very good condition with the expected minor losses to the ermine figures.