French antique mid 1800s white ironstone soup tureen / bowl good / soupiere from Gien, France, c 1886-1910

A lovely classic white French soupiere / soup turreen from Gien France. Antique French faience of the highest quality, with sculpted handles, glazed in white with no other decoration. This large tureen, with its original lid, was made in French ironstone (earthenware) by that famous Faincerie de Gien in the late 19th century. In time worn condition with a beautiful tea stain patina, this is a classic French country piece which shows all the signs of a long life.

Elegant curving form with stunning intricate scroll handles and acanthus leaf designs make this is a perfect French country décor piece. Showing signs of the passage of its long life of more than 120 years, this fabulous piece would be beautiful as a centerpiece, fruit bowl, flower vessel, candy dish, or good for serving.

The soupiere is in good antique condition with no cracks and no large chips. A few small glaze losses at the rim of the bowl and under the lid. Discoloration and glaze losses inside the bowl, with deep scratches and signs of heavy use. The colour is a lovely antique white with tea stain discoloration, especially inside the bowl (please see photo 7 for a view inside the bowl). Most of the heavy wear is inside the bowl so with the lid this piece still displays very nicely, showing only a gentle patina of age. While the glaze would no longer be recommended for soups or wet foods, unless used with a liner container, this piece would make an excellent fruit bowl, or a bowl for nuts in shells, or for bread rolls, cakes, etc. It would also be fabulous with a floral display.

Please check all the photos to make sure you are comfortable with the patina of age shown by this piece before you buy.

Stamped on the base for Faiencerie de Gien, with a mark used between 1886-1938 by this famous faience / earthenware maker, with the style of this piece giving a likely date of pre-1900. The pinnacle of the faience production of Gien was between 1855 and 1900 and many prizes were granted at the international exhibitions in 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889 and 1900, showing the quality of output from this factory during the period that this stunning piece was made.

Dimensions:
29cm high including lid, to top of handle (17cm high without lid)
25cm diameter at widest point, 22.5cm at bowl rim.
30cm wide including handles

An authentic, historic and completely charming piece of shabby French antique ceramic ware to display and enjoy.

Feel free to ask any questions! :)
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Notes on shipping -

FREE SHIPPING VIA MONDIAL RELAY to a relay point of your choosing within Metropolitan France. If you would like door-to-door shipping, please upgrade your delivery options to La Poste Chronopost.

I will always refund shipping overages. Etsy shipping charges are not always accurate to every destination - please enquire if you would like an exact quote for fully-insured shipping to your destination.

I am very happy to combine shipping so please get in touch if you like multiple items in my store.

I always shop around to ensure the best possible packaging and shipping solution for you. Rest assured I will be using all my skills as a former art gallery owner to ensure that this treasure makes its way safely to your home. I have shipped literally hundreds of fragile items to every continent over the past 20 years. Your shipment will be fully insured against loss and damage in transit so you can buy with confidence.