Antique Victorian Majolica Sardine Box — Attributed to George Jones

DESCRIPTION

A wonderfully whimsical piece of Victorian tableware, this 19th-century majolica sardine box is attributed to George Jones, one of England’s most celebrated makers of Victorian majolica.

The rectangular box is molded in rich relief with seaweed and aquatic foliage, glazed in beautifully mottled shades of turquoise green, chartreuse and warm brown. The fitted lid continues the seaweed motif and is crowned by a wonderfully sculptural fish-form handle—because apparently the Victorians understood that even sardines deserved a fabulous entrance.

Lift the lid to reveal an unexpectedly lovely soft pink glazed interior.

Sardine boxes were fashionable serving pieces during the Victorian period. With commercially canned sardines becoming increasingly available, decorative majolica boxes provided a far more elegant way to present them at the table than serving directly from the tin.

The rectangular box is permanently attached to its matching underplate; the only removable piece is the lid, making this a two-piece form rather than a separate box, stand and cover.

This unmarked sardine box was attributed to George Jones of Staffordshire, England by the source from which it was acquired.

Today it is every bit as wonderful as a decorative object as it once was on a Victorian table. Style it on a bar, kitchen shelf or collected cabinet—or simply enjoy the wonderfully eccentric fish peeking out from a grouping of antique majolica.

Dimensions: Approximately 7.5" × 6.5" × 5" H
Maker: Attributed to George Jones
Origin: England
Age: Late 19th century, circa 1870s–1880s
Material: Victorian majolica / glazed earthenware
Construction: Box and underplate are permanently attached; removable lid. Two pieces total.

Good antique condition consistent with age and use. There is overall crazing along with scattered fleabites, surface wear and areas of glaze loss, including wear around the rims and corners. These condition details are visible in the photographs and are part of the character and history of this approximately 140-year-old piece.

Please review all photographs carefully, as the images are considered part of the description and condition report.