Exceptional French Empire Porcelain Sauce Boat - Ruby Red With Gold Dust Glaze & Bacchus Handle, 1900-1909

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Exceptional French Empire Porcelain Sauce Boat - Ruby Red with Gold Dust Glaze & Bacchus Handle, 1900-1909
A Masterpiece for … Read more Exceptional French Empire Porcelain Sauce Boat - Ruby Red with Gold Dust Glaze & Bacchus Handle, 1900-1909
A Masterpiece for Discerning Collectors
For your consideration, an exceptional example of fine French porcelain that exemplifies why discerning collectors treasure old French porcelain for its superior quality, elegant forms, and exquisite decoration. This stately and magnificent sauce boat represents French Empire style at its most sophisticated - a true museum-quality piece that combines technical mastery with breathtaking artistry.
We have two of these extraordinary pieces in stock - please let us know if you're interested in both and we can ship them together for a matched pair.
Revolutionary Ruby Red Artistry
Gold Dust Glaze Alchemy - The glorious ruby red glaze is created from actual gold dust which, when fired at precise temperatures, transforms into this spectacular deep red that seems to glow from within. This complex technique represents the pinnacle of French ceramic chemistry and artistry.
True Rarity - This gold dust ruby glaze technique is extraordinarily difficult to achieve and rarely seen. The depth and luminosity of this red cannot be replicated by modern methods, making pieces like this increasingly precious to collectors.
Breathtaking Color Saturation - The rich ruby tone has an almost jewel-like quality that catches and reflects light beautifully, creating visual drama that transforms any table setting.
Spectacular Decorative Elements
Bacchus Handle Magnificence - The most spectacular feature is the richly gilt handle crowned with a "Bacchus" face, whose beard and hair are artistically styled as leaves. This mythological tribute to the Roman god of wine is both thematically perfect and sculpturally stunning.
Dual Decorative Schemes - One side features a delicate overlay of gold filigree in elegant swirls and lines, while the other displays a graceful curvy line with spear border - demonstrating the artist's mastery of both geometric and organic decorative motifs.
Empire Style Sophistication - The rich ruby border with gold rim exemplifies the French Empire aesthetic's love of bold colors, classical references, and luxurious gilding.
Graceful Form & Function
Architectural Elegance - The graceful shape sits majestically on a pedestal that descends to a flat foot, attached to an oval under plate - creating perfect visual balance and structural integrity.
Large Scale Impact - Measuring an impressive 10" by 6" by 8" tall, this substantial piece commands attention and makes a dramatic statement worthy of the finest dining rooms.
Integral Stand Design - The integrated under plate eliminates the need for separate serving pieces while maintaining the sculptural unity of the design.
Museum-Quality Condition
Mint Preservation - In remarkable mint condition with no visible damage or wear - extraordinary for a piece over 100 years old. This level of preservation speaks to both superior French craftsmanship and exceptional care through the decades.
Investment Caliber - French Empire porcelain in this condition, especially with such rare glaze techniques and sculptural elements, represents serious collecting opportunity.
Authentic Perfection - The fact that both the delicate porcelain and intricate gilding have survived in pristine condition demonstrates the superior quality of early 20th century French ceramic artistry.
Historical & Cultural Significance
French Empire Revival - Created during the early 1900s revival of Empire style, when French artisans were rediscovering and perfecting the decorative techniques that had made French porcelain legendary worldwide.
Bacchus Symbolism - The choice of Bacchus for the handle celebrates the French tradition of fine dining and wine culture, making this piece both functional art and cultural statement.
Technical Achievement - The gold dust glaze technique represents the height of French ceramic chemistry, requiring precise temperature control and expert timing that few potters could master.
Perfect for the Connoisseur
Conversation Centerpiece - Every dinner guest will be captivated by the Bacchus handle and the mysterious depth of the ruby glaze - this piece tells stories and creates memories.
Functional Luxury - While museum-worthy in its artistry, this sauce boat is perfectly functional for elegant entertaining, bringing authentic French Empire grandeur to contemporary dining.
Collector's Dream - The combination of rare glaze technique, sculptural handle, mint condition, and documented provenance makes this an exceptional addition to any serious collection.
Specifications
Origin: France
Period: 1900-1909 (Empire Revival)
Glaze: Ruby Red from Gold Dust Technique
Handle: Gilt Bacchus Face with Leaf-styled Hair/Beard
Decoration: Hand-painted with Gold Filigree and Geometric Borders
Dimensions: 10" W x 6" D x 8" H
Condition: Mint - No Damage or Wear
Form: Sauce Boat with Integral Oval Under Plate
Availability: Two Available (Can Ship Together)
This isn't just tableware - it's a masterpiece of French decorative arts that combines mythological storytelling, technical innovation, and Empire elegance in one extraordinary piece. Perfect for the serious collector of French porcelain, Empire-style decorative arts, or anyone who appreciates the marriage of supreme craftsmanship and artistic vision.
Ready to bring the grandeur of French Empire dining to your table - because true luxury never goes out of style.
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