19th century P & Fils Limoges sugar and creamer with raised gold paste, footed blanks

Porcelain : Antique : French : Limoges

 

Much of the fun associated with a collection of fine antique porcelain Limoges sugars and creamers is the sheer variety the various firms came up with, both in terms of the blanks and in terms of their decoration. Here I am offering a beautiful set with raised gilt paste decoration and blanks I’ve never seen, they have appealing and complex body shapes as well as intricate handles and finials. The blanks sit up on flared feet and they are rounded but narrow dramatically at the necks, note this especially in regard to the creamer. The sugar and creamer are highly decorated, with the body color deepening from white to pink, and great care has been taken to extend the raised gilt paste design onto the lid of the sugar and around to the back of both pieces.

There is a red studio decorating mark that reads “P et Fils (Sons) L(imoges) France.” The mark dates after 1891 but probably not much after as the decorating style strongly suggests the 1890s. There was a firm called La Pepiniere operating at this time period. Seasoned collectors know that while the scholarship in regard to the many marks found on Limoges porcelain has been rigorous it is by no means comprehensive, with "new" marks and variations thereon popping up from time to time. The above-mentioned firm may be the source of this mark, but I cannot say for certain without further documentation. What is certain is that you have an incredibly fine porcelain body with highly intricate details, and great care taken to lavishly decorate the same, in the manner seen most often in the 1890s.

One of the more unusual features of the blanks is the small holes in the handles, one of these is not reticulated on a covered sugar handle and can be considered a manufacturer’s flaw. There is a little gilt loss but the pink and white colors still look vital and the gilt is in very fine shape for such old pieces. The porcelain is thinner and finer than that of most of these sets I buy and sell. It’s a set that grows more remarkable in its appeal the longer you look at it. Pieces measure about four inches high to their highest point and the covered sugar measures six inches across its handles.

The more you view this set, the more you appreciate its opulence and beauty. I think any collector would be proud to add them to a display, and they would make the perfect gift for a special friend.

Item ID: 1121