Antiques Decorative (Sussex) has dated this Antique French Soup Tureen to the 1860s.
Decorated in a deep teal-blue transfer print over a warm cream-glazed earthenware ground, the design showcases detailed trailing honeysuckle blooms, vines, and leaves, framed by an ornate geometric border around the rim. The tureen features uniquely molded bamboo-form side handles and a matching bamboo-style loop handle on the domed lid. Bearing the official Gien castle stamp alongside "Terre de Fer - Chèvrefeuille" on the base, this fine late 19th-century vessel makes a grand centerpiece for a dining table, dresser display, or French provincial kitchen collection.
PROVENANCE
Private UK Collection; sourced from a French brocante market.
STORY
Founded in 1821 in the Loire Valley, the Faïencerie de Gien became famous across Europe for its high-grade Terre de Fer(ironstone/earthenware) table services during the 19th century. The 'Chèvrefeuille' pattern captures the naturalism of late 19th-century French ceramic design, pairing organic floral transferware with rustic faux-bamboo handles. Tureens in complete, well-preserved condition bearing clear maker's marks are increasingly sought after by collectors of antique French faience.
The maker's mark consists of a blue underglaze transfer stamp and an impressed potters mark.
1. Blue Underglaze Printed Mark
Shield & Castle Crest: The main emblem features a three-towered castle (château/tour) surmounted by a mural crown, which is the official historic coat of arms / emblem of the town of Gien.
Text Around Shield: PORCELAINE OPAQUE DE GIEN (Opaque Porcelain / Fine Ironstone of Gien).
Ribbon / Scroll Legend: TERRE DE FER on the left banner, and CHEVREFEUILLE on the right ribbon, denoting both the material quality (heavy fine earthenware) and the specific pattern name (Honeysuckle).
2. Impressed Base Stamp
On the inner rim of the base, there is an impressed factory batch/size code (appearing as 21B or 21), which corresponds directly to the 21 cm diameter rim size of the tureen bowl.
This specific castle variation of the Gien mark was used primarily from the 1870s through the 1890s, dating this piece firmly to the late 19th century.
CONDITION REPORT
Very good antique condition for its age and delicate ceramic nature. The transferware print remains sharp and vivid in color. The glaze displays light, authentic age-related crazing (crackle glaze) throughout, typical of 19th-century Gien ironstone. The interior is clean, and the molded bamboo handles are intact with no structural cracks or major repairs.
MEASUREMENTS
Circumference: 81 cm (around the main body)
Width: 21 cm (diameter across top rim, excluding handles)
Height: 13 cm (excluding lid handle)
DELIVERY
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Antiques Decorative (Sussex) has dated this Antique French Soup Tureen to the 1860s.
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Antique French Gien 'Chevrefeuille' Terre De Fer Tureen / Blue Floral Soup Tureen
