19th C. French Porquier-Beau Quimper Pitcher Vase With Coat of Arms & Bretons

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Description

This charming antique pitcher-shaped vase was crafted in Brittany, France, circa 1890, and is signed on the underside with the … Read more This charming antique pitcher-shaped vase was crafted in Brittany, France, circa 1890, and is signed on the underside with the Porquier-Beau mark. Octagonal in form with a generous molded handle, the vessel is richly hand painted on all sides: one panel depicts a Breton couple in traditional regional dress, while the opposite side features a beautifully rendered floral branch in soft pinks, greens, and yellows. A finely detailed coat of arms with crest, coronet, and heraldic supporters decorates the neck, adding a formal decorative accent typical of high-quality Quimper faience. The side panels are framed with scrolling foliate motifs in cobalt and soft yellow, and the handle is finished in a speckled blue glaze, creating a wonderful contrast of textures and colors.
Porquier-Beau is one of the most sought-after makers in the Quimper tradition, celebrated for its superior hand painting, refined forms, and collaboration with artist Alfred Beau, whose designs elevated regional faience into collectible works of art. This piece reflects that legacy with its crisp linework, expressive figures, and rich palette.
The pitcher vase is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, retaining the warm character and artisanal charm that distinguish 19th-century Quimper ceramics. A delightful decorative accent for a shelf, console, or kitchen collection.
Dimensions: 9'w x 4"D x 11"H See less