Early 20thC French Limoges Cafe Au Lait Porcelain Bowls, Set of 4

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An intriguing set of 4 French bowls bearing the images of various tradesmen in 1800's Paris. Titled Les Metiers de … Read more An intriguing set of 4 French bowls bearing the images of various tradesmen in 1800's Paris. Titled Les Metiers de Vieux Paris (the workmen of old Paris), these porcelain bowls are in the traditional "Cafe au Lait" form, originally used for drinking the popular coffee drink. In more current times, they are used as small serving bowls for vegetables, as breakfast ware for cereal, or as dessert or fruit bowls. Each is marked "Limoges France" en verso. We believe them to date to early-mid 20thC.

The images are based on the well-known lithographs of Carle Vernet titled "Les Cris de Paris" (1820s) which depict Paris street vendors of the time and their shouted sales pitches ("les cris"). A different example is featured on the front of each bowl and include:

* The Water Bearer, (Porteur d'eau) bringing potable water to households in a time before indoor plumbing;
* The Rag-man or Scavenger, (Le Chiffonier) gathering discarded textiles and odds & ends to resell;
* The Iron Bucket Merchant, (Marchande des Seaux Ferrés) selling iron-strapped & handled buckets for domestic use;
* The Kitchenware Vendor, (Marchand de Sebiles) hawking wooden bowls, spoons, and other food prep items to household staff.

Dimensions: 5.5" dia. (rim); 2.8" dia. (footer) x 3.25"h.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. vibrant image coloring, no chips, no cracks, no utensil marks, no crazing. Gilt loss at rim, as shown.

Free local pickup; otherwise shipped via economical ground delivery. See less