Thomas-Victor Sergent, French 19th Frog Vase

Updated August 18, 2026

This auction ended on August 22, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Big Shanty Auction or current pottery, china & glass auctions.
Lot number211
Estimate100.00 - 200.00 USD
CategoryPottery, China & Glass
AuctionAUGUST AUCTION
DateAugust 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT
Auction houseBig Shanty Auction
LocationMarietta, Georgia

Thomas-Victor Sergent (French, 1830–1890), striking Palissy-style majolica vase, circa 1870–1880, modeled as a footed urn with a flaring neck and richly colored naturalistic decoration. The mottled manganese-brown body is applied in high relief with vibrant green frogs climbing at the shoulders and broad overlapping foliage in turquoise-green glazes, accented by additional naturalistic details and a pale green glazed interior; the vessel rests on a circular pedestal foot edged in blue. The underside bears the hand-painted red “T.S.” monogram associated with Thomas-Victor Sergent, whose 19th-century French majolica is particularly noted for exuberant Palissy-inspired compositions featuring frogs, reptiles, leaves, shells, and other elements of the natural world. A closely related Sergent vase documented with essentially the same arrangement of relief foliage, snails and two frog handles is likewise marked “TS” and dated to the 19th century, while another example sold through Abell Auction Company was cataloged as French, circa 1880, with frog-form handles and a red-painted “TS” mark. The present example displays especially appealing glaze variation and strong sculptural modeling, with the bright frogs standing dramatically against the streaked brown ground. Condition appears good overall for age with expected glaze irregularities, kiln speckling, minor surface wear and scattered small imperfections consistent with 19th-century majolica; the photographs should be consulted for the precise condition of the projecting applied foliage and frog elements. Measures 7.5"H x 6.5"W x 5"D

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