French Vintage Coffee Pot, Enamelware

This French coffee pot is very special dating from c. 1910-1920. It is hand-painted in violet, a rare color, showing holly leaves and berries in raised enamel.

Hand-painted enamelware like this was costly to produce and required skilled artists to execute. The artist worked free-hand, applying one color at a time, returning the piece to the kiln between each color. It was a work of patience, detail and artistry. To me, these pieces have the most beautiful colors, designs and patterns.

There are several clues to this treasure's age: the body is soldered together in the back (rather than made in one piece), the base was added separately and of course, the hand-painting of the decor. All of these traits point to its age and its history in the early part of the 20th century. It is in excellent condition: there are no chips to the decor; the lid has a minor chip; there is minor wear along the base in back; the lid has a minor chip; and there are no holes.

This adorable pot is exceptional and makes a rare and collector's piece.

Dimensions: 9.5 inches high, 3.75 inches diameter at opening, 5.75 inches diameter at base, 9.5 inches across from handle to spout.

About French Enameled Ware: "Every piece, for those who can see it, has a fascinating little detail. It can be the shape or the decoration, the color of a flower, a butterfly, a bird trying to catch a bee, a landscape in winter, a sunrise, or simply the elegant curve of a handle or spout that makes it so unique. This unlimited variety of style and design makes French enameled ware so incredibly alive and charming that even people who have not seen it before have to stop and admire it. ... What makes it so special and attractive is the use of colors and wonderful designs, so close to nature or so abstract (depending on the period), but always striving for aesthetic and artistic perfection." from French Enameled Ware for the Collector

Please contact me if there is anything more you'd like to know about this delightful piece!

Item ID: AAS-009