Antique Continental Majolica Ewer Dragon Handle Applied Flowers Sanded c1890 For Sale

Unusual antique Continental European majolica ewer dating to the late 19th or very early 20th century, approximately c. 1890–1910. This striking Art Nouveau/Aesthetic Movement piece features a heavily textured sanded or granulated cream body decorated with dimensional applied flowers, leaves and stems. The tall neck is finished in a rich burgundy-red glaze and terminates in a sculptural folded spout, accompanied by an especially distinctive sinuous dragon-form handle with molded facial and scale details. The contrast between the coarse sandy body, glossy burgundy glaze and individually modeled botanical decoration gives the piece tremendous texture and character. The underside bears a hand-painted red “25”, likely a factory, decorator or production notation. No identifiable manufacturer's mark is present. Similar sanded floral majolica was produced by several Continental European potteries during this period, so no specific French, Belgian, German or Bohemian factory attribution is being made. Measures approximately 7 1/2" tall.