About this sheet
Antique Chromolithograph Pair, Ceramics Through the Ages, Meyers 1898
This attractive pair of original chromolithographs illustrates the history and artistic development of ceramics from the medieval period through the Art Nouveau era. Published by Bibliographisches Institut in Leipzig for Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, 6th edition, around 1898, the plates form part of an ambitious encyclopedic survey of world decorative arts.
The first plate, "Keramik I," presents a fascinating selection of historic ceramic masterpieces from Europe, Persia, and East Asia. Illustrated examples include Italian Renaissance maiolica, Persian pottery, Delft faience, Wedgwood, Meissen porcelain, Luca della Robbia reliefs, Chinese export porcelain, and Japanese Satsuma ware. The plate offers a visual overview of several centuries of ceramic craftsmanship and highlights the cultural exchanges that shaped decorative arts across continents.
The companion plate, "Keramik II," focuses on the ceramic innovations of the nineteenth century, particularly the Art Nouveau movement. Featured are striking vases and decorative objects by leading European makers including Delaherche, Bigot, Lachenal, Roerstrand, and other celebrated designers of the period. The flowing organic forms, botanical motifs, iridescent glazes, and sculptural surfaces beautifully capture the artistic spirit of fin-de-siècle decorative arts.
Printed using the chromolithographic process, these plates display rich color, subtle shading, and remarkable detail. Originally intended as educational illustrations, they are today highly decorative works in their own right and appeal to collectors of Art Nouveau, ceramics, design history, and decorative arts. Displayed together, they create an impressive visual survey of ceramic design spanning several centuries.
This set is particularly well suited for interior designers, collectors of pottery and porcelain, museums, ceramic artists, and anyone interested in the evolution of decorative arts from the Renaissance to the modern age.
Condition: Good antique condition with light age toning and minor handling wear consistent with age. Original center fold as issued. Please study the photographs carefully.
Framing tips: These plates display beautifully as a matching pair in dark walnut, ebonized, or museum-black frames with wide warm ivory mats. A thin gilt liner complements both the historic and Art Nouveau elements of the designs. Hanging the pair side by side creates a striking decorative and educational display.
This set consists of original antique chromolithographs, not modern reproductions. Any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only. The prints are supplied unframed.
