A lion head motif and a strong earth-toned palette for this very elegant French antique soup tureen ('soupiere') in navy blue and yellow ochre transferware with hand painted embellishment. Classic French vintage style with gorgeous stylised forms and wonderful molded barbotine handles in the shape of lions holding rings in their mouths. This piece is from the pattern 'Colbert' made in high quality earthenware (faience) c1890-1900 by the renowned faiencerie of Creil et Montereau, France.
This lovely piece is classic piece of French design, perfect French Country style. A stunning bold design in an unusual shade of deep navy blue with yellow ochre to compliment. Stunning sculpted handles, which are hand painted with their patterns. Impressed with production letters on the base, along with the stamped pattern name 'Colbert', a wonderful Satyr's head and hand painted decorators' mark of three dots.
The design is intricate yet remains open and airy, with a swirling, sinuous pattern which evokes the naturalistic vining of the flowers. The floral sprays of the central patterns are different on each side, with rose, anemone and daisy (or possibly gerbera) flowers. The design features lovely shading in the leaves of the flower petals, and slightly stylised stalks and leaves, with a vining, sinuous drape of tendrils floating across the lid and base. Finished with a scroll and acanthus lead border around the top rim and foot. A rare and lovely design, showing influences of Orientalism and formal 'Empire' Parisian style.
CONDITION - In very good antique condition, no chips, no cracks to the bowl and very prettiliy tea stained all over inside the bowl, other signs of use, a scrapes and small glaze losses. The lid has a shallow chip about 2cm in length to the underside of the rim, only very slightly visible when seated on the bowl. You may also see some manufacturing irregularities including color variations, spots under the glaze as to be expected for manufacturing processes of the time. Lovely creamy color on the exterior. While past its best for food use, the tureen is still in great condition for display.
Dimensions: 29cm wide including handles Approx. 24cm diameter across the body of the bowl at rim, lid diameter 24.3cm 17.5cm high including lid - 10.5cm without lid.
A beautiful piece to add whimsical French antique style to your home!
Feel free to ask any questions :) I am happy to combine shipping!
A note on packaging: I am very much accustomed used to shipping fragile items for international transport - I have done this literally hundreds of times over my 15 years with a fine art gallery - so your precious cargo will be as safe as possible in transit. I need time to make sure your parcel is exactly right so please allow 3-5 business days for dispatch from your order as normal (but feel free to enquire for urgently required orders!)
FREE SHIPPING VIA MONDIAL RELAY to a relay point of your choosing within Metropolitan France. If you would like door-to-door shipping, please upgrade your delivery options to La Poste Collisimo.
