Featured Majolica Bowl-Help ID

Hi-
Take a look at this majolica bowl with roses decoration please. Height is only 2-1/2" with a 4-1/2" diameter at the top. Did it have a lid do you think? What was its function if not. And of course, do you know who made it? Thanks.

 

A bulb planter perhaps.

 

Isn't that sweet?

Debora

 

I'm thinking it's maybe too shallow and not wide enough for bulbs. That's a nifty example of that, Joe.

 

It does not require a lot of water to force bulbs. Yours sure highly resembles the one shown by Joe. You could have a handful of paperwhites or one amaryllis on a window sill.

 

I'd guess Japan, and a trinket dish , ..maybe a lid?

 

Not really my area but...American pottery companies produced similarly shaped bowls in a variety of sizes in the first quarter of the 20th century. They simply referred to them in their catalog pages as "bowls" with no specific use suggested. Forcing bulbs was a popular hobby at the time and that would be as good use for your bowl as any. Nowadays they're more likely to be used to store anything from dresser items to office supplies. The glaze on your bowl doesn't resemble anything American companies produced at that time but it could be European, or as my friend komokwa suggests, Japanese. I believe is early 20th century regardless. Information on majolica manufacturers can be a but sparse but there are majolica identification groups on Facebook that may be able to help you further. Lovely item.

 

I'm voting English, with Japanese influence.

 

The square profile on the rim suggests it had a lid but I cant see any wear and generally it wouldnt have glaze on the rim if it was lidded.

 

Ditto. And I think it is lovely.