Antique French floral tea service / coffee set, Aesthetic Movement c1890 blue transferware, flowers, butterflies, bees, Gien 'Ete', France

A lovely, very rare French floral faience tea / coffee service with 8 cups and saucer duos, a teapot and sugar bowl. Made in a deep navy blue transferware with a pattern of summer blooms and bees in a stunning Aesthetic movement design. From renowned maker Gien in the 'Ete' ('Summer') pattern dating from the late 19th century c1880-1890, made in France.

This lovely set has delightful, intricately rendered pictures of summer flowers accompanied by a formal border pattern of scrolls, trellis and seed designs. A delightful summer theme in a gorgeous deep blue colorway. The late 1800s was an exciting time in design in Europe, and this piece unapologetically embraces the romance of the 'country cottage' ideal that was so important in the Arts and Crafts / Aesthetic movement.

Priced and sold as a SET of 8 cups, 8 saucers, sugar bowl and teapot.

CONDITION
This set is in lightly shabby condition. All pieces have tea-stained patina or age and light crazing, most notable on the teapot and sugar pot. All other damage is itemized in detail below. Displays very prettily with a patina of age, but probably past its best for regular use - to be used on special occasions, enjoyed for display and for its historical interest.

Tea / Coffee service includes:
- Tea pot H 13cm x 26cm W (max dimensions including lid, handles and spout) 2.5cm fine hairline crack to the rim of the pot (non penetrating, with no movement). Lid has a corresponding hairline, several long shallow chips, and the knop of the lid has been re-glued.
- Sugar bowl with lid - diameter 16cm x H 11cm. A chip, about the size of an apple seed to the rim of the lid.
- 8 tea/coffee cups - 6.8cm diameter, 8.5cm width with handle x H 6 cm. 3 pieces in excellent condition, 5 pieces each have a single small chip about the size of an apple seed or smaller (3 chips at the rim, 2 to the foot). No large cracks or significant discoloration.
- 8 saucers - 12cm diameter x H 1.5cm 7 in very good to excellent condition, 1 with a small overglazed chip and a very small hairline crack to the rim of approx 1 cm, no movement at the crack.

Please check the photos carefully and feel free to request more information - not all damage is shown due to space constraints, but I have many more detailed images, available on request.

Despite these signs of age, the service still displays very well and will look great up on a shelf, as a photography prop or as part of a display of French faience collection. A fabulous addition to a shabby chic / vintage interior, or farmhouse kitchen décor, or for collectors of antique ironstone or Aesthetic Movement wares.

An adorable set with gorgeous, authentic French antique style, this is a rarely-found treasure!

Feel free to ask any questions :) Shipping undertaken with the utmost care to all international destinations.
__________________________

Notes on shipping -

I will always refund shipping overages. Etsy shipping charges are not always accurate to every destination - please enquire if you would like an exact quote for fully-insured shipping to your destination.

I am very happy to combine shipping so please get in touch if you like multiple items in my store.

I always shop around to ensure the best possible packaging and shipping solution for you. Rest assured I will be using all my skills as a former art gallery owner to ensure that this treasure makes its way safely to your home. I have shipped literally hundreds of fragile items to every continent over the past 20 years. Your shipment will be fully insured against loss and damage in transit so you can buy with confidence.