| Absinthe Pichets I - Barbotine |
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The first pitcher shown below is a particularly beautiful example of Art Nouveau design, with the figure of La Fée Verte
seemlessly flowing out of the design of the jug. Further down the page are a selection of late 19th century majolica "pichets"
- recent research indicates that these types of zoomorphic figural pitchers, characterised by an extremely small spout, were
intended for use with absinthe. Keller & Guérin made several different types at St Clement, as did the majolica works at
Sarreguemines.
seemlessly flowing out of the design of the jug. Further down the page are a selection of late 19th century majolica "pichets"
- recent research indicates that these types of zoomorphic figural pitchers, characterised by an extremely small spout, were
intended for use with absinthe. Keller & Guérin made several different types at St Clement, as did the majolica works at
Sarreguemines.
A majolica water pitcher made by Keller & Guérin at their factory in Saint
Clement in the shape of a Marabou stork. The extremely small hole in the beak
(only about two millimeters in diameter) indicates that this pitcher was probably
made primarily for use with absinthe, as does the fact that examples are
recorded with the brand mark Absinthe Oxygenee. Later versions of this same
pitcher carried publicity for Anis Amourette, an absinthe-like substitute made by
Pernod-Hemard in the 1920's. This example is in unusually fine condition and
dates from around 1890.
Clement in the shape of a Marabou stork. The extremely small hole in the beak
(only about two millimeters in diameter) indicates that this pitcher was probably
made primarily for use with absinthe, as does the fact that examples are
recorded with the brand mark Absinthe Oxygenee. Later versions of this same
pitcher carried publicity for Anis Amourette, an absinthe-like substitute made by
Pernod-Hemard in the 1920's. This example is in unusually fine condition and
dates from around 1890.
A remarkable St Clement barbotine pitcher in the shape of a grasshopper.
Dating from around 1910, this is one of the most imposing pitchers made
by Keller & Guérin, and one of the scarcest. It stands 14" high (35.5cm).
As with the Marabou pitcher shown above, the small outlet hole (larger
than that of the stork, but still less than 4mm across) indicates that this
was probably made primarily for use with absinthe.
This model has the Keller & Guérin manufacturing code 469/1 on the
base (not 697 as incorrectly given in the literature).
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
Dating from around 1910, this is one of the most imposing pitchers made
by Keller & Guérin, and one of the scarcest. It stands 14" high (35.5cm).
As with the Marabou pitcher shown above, the small outlet hole (larger
than that of the stork, but still less than 4mm across) indicates that this
was probably made primarily for use with absinthe.
This model has the Keller & Guérin manufacturing code 469/1 on the
base (not 697 as incorrectly given in the literature).
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
| A majolica water pitcher made at Sarreguemines circa 1912, with advertising for Vin Madha Quinquina. Collectors beware: modern reproductions of this pitcher are often sold as antique originals. |
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A St Clement rooster pitcher -
this is a rare early casting,
probably dating from the late
1890's.
Keller & Guérin manufacturing
code 442 /2 on the base.
Click on the images to see
enlarged versions.
this is a rare early casting,
probably dating from the late
1890's.
Keller & Guérin manufacturing
code 442 /2 on the base.
Click on the images to see
enlarged versions.
A an extremely rare St Clement barbotine
pitcher in the shape of hatching duck. The
innovative design, which at first glances looks
like it dates from the 1950's is in fact 50 years
older - this pitcher was made by Keller &
Guérin in the early 1900's, probably around
1905.
As with the other pitcher shown above, the
small outlet hole (larger than that of the stork,
but still less than 4mm across) indicates that
this was probably made primarily for use with
absinthe.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
pitcher in the shape of hatching duck. The
innovative design, which at first glances looks
like it dates from the 1950's is in fact 50 years
older - this pitcher was made by Keller &
Guérin in the early 1900's, probably around
1905.
As with the other pitcher shown above, the
small outlet hole (larger than that of the stork,
but still less than 4mm across) indicates that
this was probably made primarily for use with
absinthe.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
The so-called "Fee Verte" water pitcher (or "pichet" in French), probably the
rarest and most beautiful of all absinthe water jugs. Notice the especially small
spout, designed to give the thinnest possible stream of water. Although the
superbly integrated Art-Nouveau conception and subtle green glaze indicate
that this is the work of a master potter, the name of the manufacturer is not
known.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.
rarest and most beautiful of all absinthe water jugs. Notice the especially small
spout, designed to give the thinnest possible stream of water. Although the
superbly integrated Art-Nouveau conception and subtle green glaze indicate
that this is the work of a master potter, the name of the manufacturer is not
known.
Click on the images to see enlarged versions.