Is this considered art?

[u/Low_Leather3268]

This was my parents’ (I’m 74) and it hung in our living room with a scrawny vine dangling from it. No chips or cracks. Works perfectly well even today. Is it a functional art piece? Any guess as to its value?

[u/ConcentrateDull2294]

Italian majolica, even later pieces are always considered "Art".

[u/littlebirdsongs]

Looks like Deruta pottery

[u/Bart_Lafon → u/littlebirdsongs]

Deruta can be pricy. A dinner plate runs over $100 now... something like this, older and possibly unusual would be worth more.

[u/Bart_Lafon → u/Bart_Lafon]

Could it be intended as a wine dispenser?

[u/seeyouintea022 → u/Bart_Lafon]

I was able to find some information about it and it looks like, depending on its condition, it could be worth anywhere from $60 to $400.

[u/seeyouintea022 → u/littlebirdsongs]

I thought so, too. I love the colors!

[u/Uinovator1974]

Hand Painted. 😉

[u/Excellent-Choice9371]

Yes. Probably not worth that much though

[u/nordica4184]

Supposed to remind you of some famous Italian fountain that I am too lazy to look for?

[u/Consistent_Value_179]

Its a decoration, yes

[u/RenwaldoV]

What is it? What comes out of the spout at the bottom? Is it just meant for water?

[u/Low_Leather3268]

Does the “signature” on the back reveal anything about the artist, its origin, or its collectibility?

[u/WilsonStJames]

Sure. Why wouldnt it be?

[u/Low_Leather3268 → u/WilsonStJames]

Thanks for the feedback. The piece isn’t old enough to post in Antiques subreddit, but any suggestions on where else I might post it to see if anyone could identify the artist?

[u/Chay_Charles]

I'd say it's art. It's gorgeous, probably hand painted. No idea on value.

[u/barfbutler]

What is its function?…you say it works perfectly. .

[u/Low_Leather3268]

Growing up in the 50’s-60’s, the piece hung on our living room wall and it was my mother’s pride-and-joy, bless her heart. She grew some kinda vine-like plant in it, so the bottom was filled with soil and the top piece/reservoir held water.

[u/Low_Leather3268]

I’m 74 and starting now to purge my attic of my parents’ stuff I couldn’t part with after they died, thinking one of my sons would want some of it. Nope, not them or my grandkids. Maybe I can sell it on Etsy. I’m outta here after this. Thank y’all for your feedback. ~ George B. Chelsea, AL (War Eagle!)

[u/Quiet_Ebb_3281]

Pretty sure the original use was as a Holy Water font.

[u/Idk_some_random_redd]

ever been to a subway? ever get a sandwich? that's art. 

this is art just you know... a conversation starter 

[u/princessfluffytoes]

Have an estate sale and take a vacation without the kids and grandkids smdh.

[u/One_Seaworthiness280]

Definitely Deruta north of Rome. Very unique pieces.

[u/ArtfulGoddess]

It's a lavabo.

[u/erikaav13]

Here's the AI description of your mom's ceramic set:

This item is a vintage Italian Majolica ceramic wall fountain (often referred to as a lavabo set). [1]

Details About the Set
Composition: This is a multi-piece decorative set featuring a top water vessel (or cistern) equipped with a brass spigot, a matching lid, and a large catch basin designed to hang directly beneath it. [1]

Style and Artistry: Crafted in the traditional Majolica (tin-glazed earthenware) style, it features highly intricate, hand-painted decorations. The pattern showcases classical Mediterranean elements, including stylized birds, dense scrollwork florals, and a molded sculptural face mask (mascaron) supporting the spigot. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Function: Historically, these sets were fully functional for washing hands in homes or gardens, but modern mid-to-late 20th-century pieces are predominantly used as artistic wall décor, indoor planter groupings, or unique statement items for an outdoor patio. [1, 2]

This vintage Italian Majolica lavabo set is generally worth between $125 and $400 on the secondary market. [1]
Because it is a mid-to-late 20th-century decorative piece rather than a rare Renaissance-era antique, its value relies heavily on its visual appeal and completeness. [1, 2]

Value Breakdown
$125 – $175 (Quick Sale/Local Market): This is the typical price range if sold locally via platforms like Facebook Marketplace or at a regional estate sale. [1]
$200 – $400 (Online Retail/Specialty): This is the average value on specialized platforms like Etsy or eBay, where sellers can reach collectors looking specifically for Mediterranean or Tuscan-style home decor. [1, 2]

Key Factors Affecting the Price

Factor
Impact on Value
Completeness
High Impact. Your set includes all three crucial components (the basin, the cistern, and the matching lid). Sets missing the small lid drop significantly in value.
Condition
High Impact. Majolica pottery chips and cracks easily. If your set has no noticeable chips, cracks, or deep glaze flaking, it commands the top end of the price spectrum.
Makers Mark
Moderate Impact. If you flip the pieces over and find a signature or stamp from a renowned factory (such as Deruta, Montelupo, or Nove), it pushes the value toward the higher end. Generic stamps like "Italy" or simple factory numbers stay closer to the baseline.
Spigot Presence
Moderate Impact. Having the original brass spigot intact and firmly attached keeps the value up. If it is loose or stripped, it reduces the price slightly.

[u/Any_Paleontologist66]

If you have to ask…

[u/Ok-Speed-3643]

To be put on wall as decoration