Notes: French Majolica vase in the Renaissance Revival style, designed by Emile Balon at Ulysse Blois Faience, Cheverny, Loire Valley, France, 1862-1953, circa 1925-1929. It is decorated in green, blue and yellow and prominently displays the symbol of Queen Claude de France (1499-1524), Duchess of Brittany, Milan, Burgundy, Counties of Blois and Asti, who counted the Chateau de Blois as one of her Royal Residence.
The exaggerated baluster body with bulbous mid-section, features a knop buttressed neck and flaring rim, all supported on a pedestal base with knop knee and pad foot. The central crest is that of the crowned arrow-pierced swan with outstretched wings and raised right foot, identified as that of the Queen Claude de France and occupant of the nearby Chateau de Blois. Opposing is an overflowing urn with shaded light green and gold festoons framing the body on a mottled green ground; the knops, handles and rims a bright yellow-orange.
Biography: Emile Balon was the Odysseus medal winner at the 1876 Decorative Arts exhibition and in 1891 received the diploma of honor in Angers. The following year he is a member of the jury in Tours. In 1893, again received the diploma of honor. He worked at Blois Faience until his death in 1929 when the production was taken over by his son Bruneau Balon.
Dimensions: 7 ⅜” High X 3” Diameter
Markings: marked on base, “Blois Faience Symbol | Ulysse Blois. | E. Balon. Sr | Made in France.”
Condition: Very Good Vintage Condition. For Accuracy there is a glaze flake and ¾” crack from rim, else very nice. Blois Faience is commonly chipped and cracked making this a very good example with distinguished form and bright decoration.
