A lead-glazed yellow earthenware two-handled bowl of the Faiencerie de Gien. Gien was founded in 1821 by Thomas Hall, and Englishman who wanted to introduce fine English earthenware manufacturing techniques in France.
Gien specialized in traditional French earthenware’s with scenes and motifs taken from French historical sources, heraldic emblems and contemporary politics, it was well-known for its fancier dinnerware, decorative pieces and tableware emblazoned with notable families’ coats of arms. In 1856 it came under the ownership of Geoffroy, Guérin & Cie and thereafter it exhibited at international exhibitions in Paris (1844, where it won an award) and 1867, in London (1862) and Vienna (1873). The beautiful Renaissance Revival bowl decorated with grotesque ornaments and foliate in blue, yellow and green on a white ground. The central cartouche depicting a putto in grisalle. The factory mark used in 1875 for export (with added France) on the back of the bowl. A colourful and fanciful item.
Condition: good, wear consistent with age and use, fine hairline craqueling and slight greyish discolouration at the bottom of the bowl – detailed condition report on request