French Majolica Bull Wall Pockets with Laurel Wreaths

• Wall Pocket - A wall pocket is a ceramic vase of flattened shape, pierced at the back so it could hang on a wall, and sometimes tapering to a point at the base. They were often made in quaint shapes such as fish, a mask, or a cornucopia. They became popular in the eighteenth century and continue to be made to the present day. Porcelain examples were made by Worcester in a very elaborate form, while those designed Clarice Cliff and Longwy were streamlined and often in pleasant pastel colours.
• Incised - A record of a name, date or inscription, or a decoration scratched into a surface, usually of a glass or ceramic item with a blunt instrument to make a coarse indentation. Compare with engraving where the surface is cut with a sharp instrument such as a metal needle or rotating tool to achieve a fine indentation.
• Verso - Verso is the "back" side of a sheet of paper, art work, coin or medal. The front side is "recto".
• Laurel Leaf - The use of the laurel leaf as a decorative element can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was closely associated with victory and honour. In these cultures, the laurel was a sacred tree that was dedicated to the god Apollo and was believed to have protective and healing properties.
  
  In ancient Greece, the laurel wreath was awarded to victors in athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games, as a symbol of their achievement. The wreath was also associated with academic achievement, and was often worn by scholars and poets. The Greeks also used the laurel leaf as a symbol of victory in war, and it was often depicted in artwork alongside images of triumphant warriors and heroes.
  
  The Romans continued this tradition, and the laurel wreath became a symbol of the highest military honor, the triumph, awarded to victorious generals. The wreath was also used to crown emperors and other important officials, and was often depicted in Roman art and architecture as a symbol of power and authority.
  
  The laurel leaf is still used as a symbol of achievement, success, and excellence, and is frequently used in logos, emblems, and other branding materials. Its association with victory and honour has made it a popular choice for awards, medals, and other forms of recognition.

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• Majolica - other items 219