19th Century French Porcelain Large Tureen W/Turquoise & Gilt Detail

Details

Description

Circa 1845 - A Treasured Find from Normandy
Discovered in the charming countryside of Normandy, this stately French porcelain soup … Read more Circa 1845 - A Treasured Find from Normandy
Discovered in the charming countryside of Normandy, this stately French porcelain soup tureen embodies the elegance and grandeur of mid-19th century craftsmanship.
Description
This breathtaking piece showcases the refined taste of the Second Empire period, featuring a pristine white porcelain body adorned with an exquisite turquoise band gracing both the rim of the bowl and lid. The baroque-style handle and finial reflect the enduring influence of 18th-century design, lending an air of aristocratic sophistication to this remarkable vessel.
Artistic Details

Period: Circa 1845
Style: French porcelain with baroque influences
Coloration: Crisp white body with distinctive turquoise banding
Decorative Elements: Gilded accents and hand-painted details that have achieved that coveted patina beloved by discerning collectors - where time has gently softened the finish to perfection
Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 12" x 12" - a commanding presence for any table

Condition & Character
This tureen displays the honest wear that speaks to its age and authenticity. A small nick under the rim of the lid - common to porcelain pieces of this scale and vintage - is documented in our photographs and in no way diminishes the overall beauty, structural integrity, or desirability of this exceptional piece. Such imperfections are cherished markers of a well-lived life in the world of antique porcelain.
Versatility & Vision
Beyond its original purpose as a soup tureen, this magnificent vessel invites creative interpretation:

Seasonal Centerpiece: Fill with autumn gourds, winter evergreens, or spring blooms
Holiday Entertaining: Perfect scale for festive gatherings
Elegant Punch Bowl: Transform any occasion into a sophisticated soirée
Decorative Sculpture: Let its noble presence grace a sideboard or console

Provenance
Lovingly discovered during a curated antiquing expedition through the treasured flea markets of Normandy, guided by our dear friend and antique connoisseur who knows the hidden gems of the French countryside. This piece represents not just fine porcelain, but a moment of discovery and the joy of the hunt that every true collector understands.
In these times when we all need beauty, elegance, and a touch of dreams in our lives, this remarkable tureen offers exactly that - an invitation to let your imagination wander and create moments of grace and wonder.
A true statement piece for the discerning collector who appreciates both artistry and history.
Porcelain Glaze: The Art of Bleu de Deck
The luminous turquoise glazes of French antique ceramics represent one of the most captivating achievements in 19th-century decorative arts. While the prestigious Sèvres manufactory had experimented with turquoise-adjacent colors like bleu céleste in the 18th century, it was Joseph-Théodore Deck (1823-1891) who revolutionized the medium with his groundbreaking Bleu de Deck in 1859. This vibrant, copper-based turquoise glaze became the defining signature of French art pottery, applied to earthenware that drew inspiration from Turkish Iznik ceramics and Chinese monochromes. Deck's innovation went beyond technical mastery—he elevated the glaze itself to the primary decorative element, transforming what had been attempts at imitation into a celebrated art form.
Working within the grand feu (high-fire) tradition on faience, Deck created pieces that emphasized intense, luminous color and surface beauty rather than painted decoration. His success sparked a movement among French art potters, including disciples like Edmond Lachenal, who carried forward his emphasis on vibrant, technically superior glazes. The pieces from this era—whether Deck's own work or that of his influenced contemporaries—represent a pivotal moment when French ceramics moved from copying Chinese and Islamic precedents to establishing a distinctive national aesthetic. For collectors at Gentlemanly Pursuits, these turquoise-glazed treasures embody both historical significance and timeless visual appeal, marking the height of France's contribution to the international art pottery movement of the late 19th century. See less