➤ Item Condition :Good - Lightly used, with very light scratches, or minor cosmetic wear, but has no structural issues. Most antique and vintage items fit this condition.
➤ Product stock :In France
Description :
This exceptional porcelain soup tureen with its matching tray is a fine example of 19th-century French tableware, produced by the distinguished manufactory Lehailleux & Pepin, based in Vierzon and Paris. The maker’s mark beneath the tray confirms its origin and situates its production circa 1860–1880, a period when French porcelain workshops flourished and catered to aristocratic and bourgeois households with richly decorated services.
The piece is remarkable for its refined design and opulent detailing. The tureen rests gracefully on a shaped oval tray, its white ground highlighted by a delicate turquoise blue band and enriched with finely applied gilded accents. The handles and lid finial are modeled in an unusual faux-bois or “wood-bundle” form, bound with ribbon motifs, further enhanced with hand-painted gilt highlights. These sculptural handles are both decorative and symbolic of the eclectic taste of the Second Empire and early Belle Époque periods, when classical, naturalistic, and whimsical references were often combined.
Adding to its prestige, the tureen bears a finely painted gilt monogram, possibly commissioned for a prominent family or household, underlining the bespoke character of such services in the 19th century. The harmonious color scheme of turquoise, white, and gold reflects the luxury dining culture of the era, where porcelain was a central element of elegant table settings.
This rare set survives in very fine condition, a testament to both the craftsmanship of Lehailleux & Pepin and the care with which it has been preserved. Collectors of French porcelain or connoisseurs of decorative arts will appreciate its historic charm and sculptural elegance, making it a distinguished centerpiece for both display and use.
