Green Glazed Terracotta Umbrella Stand w/ Lion Mask Motif Circa 1900 - 19¼"

This striking umbrella stand, made in the pottery-rich village of Saint-Jean-de-Fos in southern France, showcases the bold character and earthy elegance of traditional Languedoc ceramics. Its tall cylindrical form is adorned with a classic lion mask motif molded in relief, flanked by a stylized garland formed from a thumb-pressed chain pattern. This tactile technique, known in French as "digité," involves the potter's thumbs creating rhythmic indentations directly into the soft clay. The result is a distinctly handmade finish that adds both decorative richness and symbolic strength to the piece.

Finished in a richly variegated green glaze, the surface reveals nuanced tones and a fine craquelure that reflects its age and artisanal origins. Areas of glaze loss and surface chipping expose the warm terracotta beneath, contributing to a textured, timeworn patina that heightens its authentic rural charm. Saint-Jean-de-Fos has long been a center of French ceramic tradition, and vessels like this, once found in farmhouses and manors, are now appreciated for their sculptural quality and decorative versatility.

Whether used in a hallway to catch umbrellas or repurposed as a large vase for dried branches, this antique vessel brings historical depth and a colorful touch of Provence to any interior.