Mid 18th Century French Faience Tromp l'Oeil Strasbourg Factory Cabbage Tureen and Cover

Details

Description

Botanical Illusion: Important Strasbourg Faience Cabbage Tureen & Cover,
Mid-18th Century

Origin: Strasbourg, France | Dimensions: 8 1/2 in. (H) … Read more Botanical Illusion: Important Strasbourg Faience Cabbage Tureen & Cover,
Mid-18th Century

Origin: Strasbourg, France | Dimensions: 8 1/2 in. (H) x 10 3/4 in. (D) | Material: Faience (Tin-Glazed Earthenware)

This distinct French trompe l'œil faience tureen and cover is molded in the form of a large cabbager in shades of green and white, with the body and cover consisting of a series of overlapping large leaves.

Historical Context
Produced by the renowned Strasbourg Factory (likely during the Hannong era of the mid-to-late 18th century), this piece represents the height of French Rococo dining culture. During this period, "deception" wares—ceramics designed to mimic nature—were fashionable conversation pieces used in the service à la française. Strasbourg was the premier manufactory for these wares, famous for their vibrant high-fire colors and naturalistic modeling.

Provenance: Private West Coast Collection; formerly with The Antique Porcelain Company, New York (retains original paper label).

Condition: Good.

Museum & Literature References

Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris):
Object: Légumier et plateau en forme de chou (Vegetable dish and stand in the form of a cabbage).
Attribution: Paul Hannong Manufactory, Strasbourg, c. 1748–1754.
Inventory Number: Inv. 32268.
Note: This is the primary benchmark for this model.

Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA):
Object: Soup tureen and stand.
Attribution: Paul Antoine Hannong, Before 1745.
Accession Number: 84.85a-c
Description: For a cabbage tromp l'oeil tureen.

Musée National de Céramique (Sèvres):
Object: Terrine chou, trompe-l'œil (Cabbage tureen).
Context: The Sèvres collection holds various botanical tureens by Hannong.

Strasbourg Faience, by Hans Haug. (The definitive text on the Hannong family's production).

(Ref: NY10952/nkrr) See less