Mid 20th Century French Faience Apothecary Jar, Rose De Ninon - 5½"

A charming petite mid-20th-century decorative faïence apothecary jar, signed under the base by Léon Warin. The simple cylindrical body is hand-painted with polychrome floral sprays in soft pinks, blues, and greens, framed by fine gilt bands. The front bears the inscription “Rose de Ninon,” suggesting a rose-based preparation. The conical lid is topped with a gilded spherical finial that echoes the gilt detailing and adds a subtle note of brightness. 

Signed under the base with the Léon Warin manufacturer’s mark used in Malicorne from the 1960s. Léon Warin was a French glass engineer active at the turn of the 20th century who specialized in apothecary vessels. Over the course of the 20th century, his manufacture evolved and became established in Malicorne, where it produced high-quality ceramic interpretations of historic apothecary jars, valued for their craftsmanship, decorative richness, and continuity with antique pharmacy wares. The mark, formed from the interlaced initials L and W, is cleverly arranged to resemble an apothecary scale, underscoring the workshop’s enduring connection to pharmaceutical tradition. The jar is in very good vintage condition, with gentle rubbing to the gilding and a tiny glaze fleck consistent with age and careful handling.

Petite and refined, it brings a soft garden palette and a note of old-world charm to a vanity or bathroom shelf, where it naturally lends itself to holding jewelry, cotton pads, or bath salts. Display it alone to punctuate a vignette, or group it with other pharmacy jars for a collected look.

Light wear.
Approx. overall 5½" high x 3¼" diameter
Approx. overall 14cm high x 8cm diameter