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Description
From a Diplomat's Estate: Belle Époque French Faïence Masterpiece
This extraordinary piece emerged from the estate of a former American …
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From a Diplomat's Estate: Belle Époque French Faïence Masterpiece
This extraordinary piece emerged from the estate of a former American diplomat who spent decades in France, bringing home treasures that spoke to his sophisticated eye for French decorative arts. This rare GIEN saucière represents the height of Belle Époque fantasy and exoticism that captivated Parisian society.
The Piece:
Maker: GIEN France (undermarked)
Period: 1800s
Style: Belle Époque Serpent & Fantasy Animal Design
Type: Saucière (Sauce Boat)
Dimensions: 12" L × 9" W × 7" H
Design Details:
This exceptional sauce boat showcases the Belle Époque fascination with serpentine and fantasy animal motifs that were "tout la mode" in late 19th-century Paris. The hand-painted decoration features:
Serpentine Asian-style fish/dolphin handle - masterfully sculpted and painted
Fantasy animal and serpent motifs throughout the body
Rich, detailed hand-painting characteristic of GIEN's finest work
The exotic, almost mystical quality that defined Belle Époque decorative taste
Historical Context:
During the Belle Époque period (1871-1914), Parisian society was enchanted by exotic and fantastical designs. Serpents and mythological creatures appeared everywhere - from interior decoration and jewelry to clothing and, as seen here, fine tableware. This piece perfectly captures that era's sophisticated embrace of the mysterious and ornamental.
Condition:
Rather good vintage condition with minor chips under the rim - nothing significant that detracts from display or careful use. Otherwise in very collectible and usable order, testament to both GIEN's quality and the previous owner's care.
Provenance:
Estate of a former American diplomat with decades of residence in France. This piece represents the discerning eye of someone who truly understood and appreciated French decorative arts.
Perfect For:
Serious collectors of French faïence and GIEN pottery
Lovers of Belle Époque decorative arts
Those who appreciate the intersection of functionality and fantasy
Display as a museum-quality decorative object
Sophisticated entertaining with historical gravitas
A museum-worthy example of when French ceramic artistry met Belle Époque imagination - truly a piece with both beauty and provenance.
See less
- Dimensions
- 11ʺW × 8ʺD × 8ʺH
- Styles
- French Country
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- France
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Earthenware
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Blue
- Condition Notes
- Good condition some old chips under the drip plate as photo’d Good condition some old chips under the drip plate as photo’d less
Questions about the item?
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
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