Normandy's Tin-Glazed Terracotta Scratching Rabbit Sculpture
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A large French tin-glazed terracotta rabbit, early to mid-20th century. Originally made as roof ornaments or pi de fa tage in Normandy, the terracotta 'lapin se grattant' (scratching rabbit) in a crackle tin-glaze finish and with glass eyes, unsigned, most probably from Normandy's Mesnil de Bavent pottery, height 28 cm, width 37 cm
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- Terracotta - Terracotta is lightly fired earthenware, red or reddish-brown in colour, used in ancient times. Fired at higher temperatures terracotta was used in the nineteenth century for decorative vases and similar objects, but rarely for utilitarian goods. Other uses for terracotta include roofing tiles, garden pots and ornaments. Glazed terracotta is known as faience.
- Tin Glaze - A ceramic glaze associated with lustre ware, maiolica, faience and Delftware. After an initial firing, the pottery was dippeed into the glaze, composed of oxides of lead and tin, which produce a porous white opaque but glossy surface. The pieces were then decorated again and fired which had the effect of fusing the colours into the glaze.
- Crackling and Crackle as a Decorative Technique - Crackle, also known as crackling, is a decorative technique that has been used in China for centuries. It is believed to have originated during the Song Dynasty (960?1279 AD) and was primarily used in the production of ceramics, lacquerware, and furniture. The crackling effect was achieved by applying a glaze or lacquer that was formulated to crack during firing, creating a crackled pattern on the surface of the item.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368?1644 AD), crackle became a highly sought-after decorative technique, and it was used to create intricate and beautiful designs on ceramics and lacquer ware.
In Western decorative arts, crackle / crackling came into use during the Art Nouveau movement in the late 19th and early 20th century. The crackling effect was used to create a sense of movement and fluidity in the design of Art Nouveau pieces.
It was also used in the 1920s and 1930s during the Art Deco movement.
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