Maiolica Bottle Cooler. Manufacture Joseph Hannong Strasbourg circa 1771

Bottle cooler
Manufacture Joseph Hannong
Strasbourg, France, circa 1771
Maiolica polychrome decorated “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire)
It measures 7.40 in in height x 9.64 in diameter (18.8 cm x 24.5 cm)
Weight: 3.50 lb (1.588 g)

State of condition: a slight fêlure on the bottom and a few minor chips from use restored.

The maiolica container rests on a low ring foot. It has a cylindrical shape with a smooth wall and a curved rim, following a design inspired by silverware. Handles in the shape of stirrups were applied. They were forged in rocaille style and adhere to the body.
The decoration follows classical canons and is centered around two bouquets placed on the main sides, with a larger predominant flower from which secondary branches with smaller flowers extend. In a more discreet position, additional elements such as small buds and wildflowers appear. The handles are painted in purple and indigo with touches of yellow to simulate studs.

In 1721, Charles-François Hannong, in partnership with J. Henri Wackenfedt, founded a maiolica manufacturing company in Strasbourg, which became one of the most important ceramic enterprises in France. The works from the early phase of manufacture base their decoration on a “lambrequin” model of the coeval production In Rouen. From 1740, a “gran fuoco” color palette allowed for the creation of early floral decoration with an oriental flair. Upon the death of Charles-François in 1739, the management of the factory was handed over to his son Paul-Antoine. With the technical and artistic contribution of the Löwenfinck brothers, modeler W. Lanz, and chemist J. J. Ringler, Paul-Antoine introduced the innovative technique of “third fire” and, in 1751, also began production of hard porcelain, which was later transferred to Frankenthal. From these experiments, the naturalistic decoration known as the "flower of Strasbourg" emerged. It was inspired by the works of Meissen, but Hannong interpreted and executed it according to new aesthetic standards that would achieve enormous success throughout Europe. Upon the death of Paul-Antoine Hannong in 1760, a new season began for the manufacturing company under the leadership of his son Joseph. In 1776, Joseph resumed the production of porcelain in Strasbourg. However, due to some poor business decisions, the factory eventually faced bankruptcy and closed its doors in 1779.

The naturalistic flower decoration is one of the greatest achievements of the French manufacturing industry. It was introduced by the German painter Adam Frederic de Löwenfinck, who drew inspiration from botanical models reproduced in engravings. The cooler in question belongs to this period, and its design can be found in some specific plates produced by the manufacturer around 1770.

Bibliography:
- S. De Plas, Les Faiënces de Strasbourg et de L’Est de la France. Paris 1996 pp. 37-39 ;
- A. Faÿ Hallé, C. Christine Lahaussois, Le Grand Livre de la faïence française, Paris- Fribourg, 1986, p. 242.