Exquisite Bernardaud Limoges "Melrose" Platter - French Porcelain Masterpiece (1920s)

Details

Description

A Bridal Trousseau Treasure from Provincetown's Distinguished Estate
Discovered among the refined collection of a Provincetown estate, this magnificent serving … Read more A Bridal Trousseau Treasure from Provincetown's Distinguished Estate
Discovered among the refined collection of a Provincetown estate, this magnificent serving platter represents the pinnacle of French porcelain artistry. Created by the prestigious house of Bernardaud et Cie. in Limoges, this piece showcases the "Melrose" pattern - a delicate and elegant design that epitomizes the sophistication of 1920s French decorative arts.
The Bernardaud Legacy
Bernardaud, founded in 1863, remains one of France's most celebrated porcelain manufacturers, creating exquisite pieces for royalty, luxury hotels, and discerning collectors worldwide. This platter represents the company's golden age of craftsmanship during the early 20th century.
"The Melrose" Pattern - A Study in Elegance
This enchanting pattern displays the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the 1920s:

Gilt rim with Greek key motif: Classical elegance meets Art Deco sophistication
Garlands of pink roses: Romantic swags of delicately painted florals and foliage
Tiny blue jabots: Those distinctly French blue cascades that bring the design to life
Artistic details: Each blue dot thoughtfully placed as a masterful artistic accent

Bridal Trousseau Heritage
This platter was originally part of a special-order bridal trousseau set, where colors and details were carefully chosen for the bride's future entertaining needs. These custom pieces represented hope, elegance, and the promise of gracious living - a tradition of French sophistication passed down through generations.
Specifications

Size: 11" × 14" serving platter
Maker: Bernardaud et Cie., Limoges, France
Period: Early 20th century, circa 1920s
Condition: Excellent condition with superb preservation
Quality: Finest French porcelain with hand-painted details

Exceptional Condition & Craftsmanship
This platter exemplifies why Bernardaud porcelain was made to "last a lifetime and more":

Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or wear
Gilt detailing remains vibrant and intact
Hand-painted florals retain their original delicacy
Simple, refined forms showcase the porcelain's fine quality
Ready for both use and display

The Art of French Porcelain
The delicate artistry of this piece reflects the French mastery of porcelain painting, where each rose petal and blue accent was carefully applied by skilled artisans. The Greek key border demonstrates the classical influences that shaped French decorative arts of the era.
Perfect For

Collectors of French Limoges porcelain
Bernardaud enthusiasts and connoisseurs
Elegant entertaining and special occasions
Bridal gifts continuing the trousseau tradition
French country or traditional home décor
Those who appreciate museum-quality decorative arts

Provincetown Provenance
This exceptional piece was carefully preserved as part of a sophisticated Cape Cod estate, testament to its enduring beauty and the refined taste of its previous custodians.
A rare opportunity to own a piece of French porcelain history - where artistry, tradition, and elegance unite in a single magnificent serving piece that embodies the romance and sophistication of a bygone era.
The tiny blue jabots are indeed "so French" - those thoughtful artistic details that transform fine porcelain into poetry. See less