Antique Bernardaud Limoges “Ye Canterbury” Armorial Demitasse Set - 11 pcs

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Description

An unusual early 20th-century French porcelain demitasse service by L. Bernardaud & Cie of Limoges, France, comprising five cups and … Read more An unusual early 20th-century French porcelain demitasse service by L. Bernardaud & Cie of Limoges, France, comprising five cups and six matching saucers. Each piece bears the green “B & Co / France” factory mark associated with Bernardaud production beginning around 1900.

The service features an elegant and distinctive geometric form, with six-sided cups raised on small pedestal feet, angular high-loop handles, coordinating shaped saucers, and extensive gilt decoration along the rims, handles, and bases.

Of particular interest is the small heraldic emblem decorating the service. The blue shield incorporates the historic arms of the See of Canterbury, recognizable by its distinctive white Y-shaped pallium charged with four dark crosses and an archiepiscopal staff positioned vertically behind. Beneath the shield is an elaborate period device with Gothic-style lettering that appears to read “Ye Canterbury.”

The precise original context of the “Ye Canterbury” device has not been established. Its repeated use throughout this coordinated service suggests the porcelain may have been specially decorated for a particular client, institution, or establishment; however, no documented association with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace, Canterbury Cathedral, or another specific organization is presently known.
The set comprises 11 pieces total: five demitasse cups and six matching saucers. The presence of six saucers suggests the service was originally configured for six place settings, with one cup no longer present.

A particularly attractive and uncommon example of turn-of-the-century Limoges porcelain combining fine French manufacture, extensive gilding, unusual geometric forms, and historic English ecclesiastical heraldic imagery.

Dimensions: Cups approximately 2.5 in. H × 2.5 in. W; saucers approximately 5 in. × 4.5 in.

Maker: L. Bernardaud & Cie / B & Co
Origin: Limoges, France
Period: Circa 1900–1920
Set: 11 pieces — 5 cups and 6 saucers See less