Antique Bernardaud Limoges “Ye Canterbury” Armorial Gilt Porcelain Coffee Pot

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Description

An unusual early 20th-century French porcelain covered coffee pot by L. Bernardaud & Cie of Limoges, France, bearing the green … Read more An unusual early 20th-century French porcelain covered coffee pot by L. Bernardaud & Cie of Limoges, France, bearing the green “B & Co / France” factory mark associated with Bernardaud production beginning around 1900.

Standing an impressive 11 inches high, the pot features a striking faceted geometric body with a flared foot, elongated angular handle, shaped pouring spout, and fitted domed lid with gilt finial. Extensive gold decoration accents the handle, spout, lid, rim, finial, and base, creating an elegant contrast against the white Limoges porcelain.

Of particular interest is the small heraldic device decorating the front. The blue shield incorporates the historic arms of the See of Canterbury, recognizable by the distinctive white Y-shaped pallium charged with four dark crosses and the 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 appearance on this substantial coffee pot as well as on the coordinating demitasse service suggests the porcelain was specially decorated as part of a larger service for a particular client, institution, or establishment. No documented association with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace, Canterbury Cathedral, or another specific organization is presently known.

A distinctive example of turn-of-the-century Limoges porcelain combining fine French manufacture, architectural faceted form, extensive gilding, and historic English ecclesiastical heraldic imagery. A matching “Ye Canterbury” demitasse service is also known from the same collection.

Maker: L. Bernardaud & Cie / B & Co
Origin: Limoges, France
Period: Circa 1900–1920
Height: 11 in., measured from base to top of lid finial See less