Shop in Your Slippers
On these pages, we feature a small portion of our extensive inventory of vintage Quimper pottery. We stand behind our pieces and guarantee each to be as described. Your satisfaction is protected with a certificate of authenticity and a three-day return policy. We accept payment by check, PayPal, money order; debit and credit cards are processed via PayPal...plus we are famous for our slow, painless lay-a-ways. Where you decide how much you want to pay and when...no payment is too small and no time frame is too long! Quimper pottery is one-of-a-kind art...if the right piece comes along just when you need new tires, we understand...believe me, there's nothing worse than us having to answer "No, I'm sorry" to "Do you still have...?"
The prices shown do not include shipping; we ship via USPS and all items are carefully packaged by our in-house, maniacal Virgo...double-boxed with extra packing material , etc.
If you have any questions, please remember that we're just an email away! Just contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Ready?
Slippers on?
Let's go shopping!
The prices shown do not include shipping; we ship via USPS and all items are carefully packaged by our in-house, maniacal Virgo...double-boxed with extra packing material , etc.
If you have any questions, please remember that we're just an email away! Just contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Ready?
Slippers on?
Let's go shopping!
HB Quimper 6.5" Bowl...Petite Bretonne with Red Skirt
Just the right size for cereal, soup or what have you, this bowl was part of a table service produced by the HB pottery in the 1920s. The saucy brunette petite bretonne is holding an unusual bouquet…green with extra long tendrils. The border motif is a continuous garland of flowers. It measures 6.5 inches in diameter and is 2 inches high. Condition-wise: as you can see in the photograph, there are areas of glaze loss to the edges…skips and several small chips. The specks above the tree on the right are bits of kiln dust original to when it was made.
Signed on the front: HB Quimper.
Here's a detail view of the central motif:
Signed on the front: HB Quimper.
Here's a detail view of the central motif:
...and a photo of the back:
HB Quimper 6.5 inch Bowl...Petite Bretonne with Yellow Skirt
Another bowl from the same service...HB Quimper from the 1920s and a perfect example to show that where a piece of Quimper is signed doesn't have a lot of significance when it comes to determining the era of production. These are both from the same service and one is signed on the front while this one is signed on the back! Also 6.5 inches in diameter and 2 inches high, the central motif features a petite bretonne holding a yellow flower that matches the color of her skirt.
Condition notes some glaze loss from skips and small chips along the edge and a splatter of blue paint around the petite bretonne that is original to when it was made
A detail view of the central motif:
Condition notes some glaze loss from skips and small chips along the edge and a splatter of blue paint around the petite bretonne that is original to when it was made
A detail view of the central motif:
...and the factory mark on the back...HB Quimper:
Henriot Flower Basket Plate
This Henriot plate dates from circa 1930 and measures 9.675 inches in diameter. The central motif features a colorful floral arrangement in a blue basket...beautifully accented with a green and red à la touche border. All the Quimper colors are here...cobalt blue, antimony yellow, copper green, iron red with a hint of manganese suggesting grass below the basket.
Here's a close-up:
Here's a close-up:
It is signed on the reverse:
Condition is good...some glaze loss and skips to the edge and a small bit of extra clay in the border around 12 o'clock that is original to when it was made. Upon super-close inspection...I saw it, Mark didn't...there is an old restoration to the back edge around 6 o'clock and a small hairline coming from the back edge at around 9 o'clock...neither shows from the front and thus they don't affect its appearance.
Above the Salt, Below the Salt, Worth One's Weight in Salt, Old Salt...
A multitude of common expressions revolve around salt. From time immemorial, man has used salt to stimulate appetite and facilitate digestion. While other spices were optional and generally reserved for only the more wealthy classes, salt was a necessity that was used across the board. Important as a means to increase flavor, disguise the use of inferior ingredients or mask the conditions brought on by lack of refrigeration, salt was a valuable commodity and even became a symbol of one's status. Where you were seated in relationship to the salt container on the table established your importance in society...and the receptacles for serving salt became an important part of the table décor.
During the first quarter of the twentieth century, French faïenceries produced many different forms of salieres...small decorative pieces for the table that were intended to hold salt. Here are some vintage Quimper faïence examples...
During the first quarter of the twentieth century, French faïenceries produced many different forms of salieres...small decorative pieces for the table that were intended to hold salt. Here are some vintage Quimper faïence examples...
Henriot Petit Breton Double Salt
A traditionally-dressed biniou player forms the handle on this Quimper faïence double salt from the Henriot factory, circa 1925. Overall, the piece measures 4.45 inches high, 4.4375 inches wide, and 2.4375 inches deep. Salt is corrosive and therefore, it is understandable that there are bits of missing glaze that testify to the constant handling of this sort of piece...evidenced by a bit of missing glaze on his nose and some roughness to his elbows and hat. Original to when he was made are some glaze smudges and splatters...around the base, inside the salt receptacles...even on the signature......but he's still a very handsome biniou player!
Henriot Petite Bretonne Double Salt
Made by the Henriot factory in Quimper around 1925, this form features a lovely, blonde petite bretonne sitting down with a large basket on her lap. Her costume is very colorful...she wears a pink apron over a blue skirt and a vest and blouse combination that includes yellow, green and blue. Her coiffe indicates that she represents a young, unmarried woman from the commune of Quimper. Her basket is divided into two sections and is decorated with à la touche motifs.
She is 4.5 inches high, 3.675 inches deep, and her basket is 3.25 inches wide. Salt is corrosive and therefore, it is understandable that there are bits of missing glaze that testify to the constant handling of this sort of piece. A spot of glaze is missing off the tip of her nose, both sabots, and along the edge of the basket...plus there is a spot on her left shoulder that has been "greened-in". While there are some chips to the glaze, most of the small areas of missing glaze are actually glaze skips and are original to when she first came out of the kiln. It is signed on the bottom...HenRiot Quimper France 116.
She is 4.5 inches high, 3.675 inches deep, and her basket is 3.25 inches wide. Salt is corrosive and therefore, it is understandable that there are bits of missing glaze that testify to the constant handling of this sort of piece. A spot of glaze is missing off the tip of her nose, both sabots, and along the edge of the basket...plus there is a spot on her left shoulder that has been "greened-in". While there are some chips to the glaze, most of the small areas of missing glaze are actually glaze skips and are original to when she first came out of the kiln. It is signed on the bottom...HenRiot Quimper France 116.
Henriot Biniou-form Double Salt
Celebrating the distinctive music of Brittany, this salt server is in the form of a biniou or bagpipe with a jaunty striped handle forming the two compartments for the salt. It measures 4.5 inches by 3.25 inches and stands 2.5 inches high. Circa 1925, it is signed Henriot Quimper 128. Condition is positively fantastic...the edge of one pipe has a teeny glaze flake...otherwise it's in perfect condition! (Note: the white spots in the photos are glare and not missing glaze).
HB Jardinière
A lovely petite bretonne sits with her market basket while listening to a handsome biniou player...part of the wonderful décor on a circa 1925-1930 HB Quimper jardinière. It measures an impressive 19 inches wide, 7.5 inches deep, and 4.675 inches high. Good looking all the way around, on the other side is a colorful floral spray and the sides have glorious swirls of cobalt blue arabesques.
It is signed HB Quimper on both the body and on the bottom and is one of the rare examples where the precise painter/decorator is known. The decoration is the work of a painter identified as Monsieur Chapalain who worked at the HB factory's top level or décor-riche studio; his pieces are noted for their distinctly-decorated and colorful backgrounds.
Condition is good with just a small hairline in the interior, a bit of crazing to the bottom and some minor nibbles to the feet.
It is signed HB Quimper on both the body and on the bottom and is one of the rare examples where the precise painter/decorator is known. The decoration is the work of a painter identified as Monsieur Chapalain who worked at the HB factory's top level or décor-riche studio; his pieces are noted for their distinctly-decorated and colorful backgrounds.
Condition is good with just a small hairline in the interior, a bit of crazing to the bottom and some minor nibbles to the feet.
Early 19th Century Cul Noir Calotte
Dating from 1840 or thereabouts, this calotte or shallow bowl has an à la touche geometric motif in tin-glazed faïence on the front side, while the reverse is covered in a manganese glaze. The original development of this process is attributed to Paul Caussy of Rouen. We can't decide for sure just where this piece originated...it was attributed to Quimper, however the glaze has a pink tinge and the clay is quite red...very reminiscent of Malicorne production. Decorated examples of cul noir, meaning black bottom, are too few and far between for us to be able to say for sure just where it originated. But we can say for sure that it is a great piece of vintage Country French faïence!
It measures 9.5 inches in diameter and is 1.675 inches high.
It is unsigned; there is an incised x on the reverse...this was often used to indicate that once the form as fired, it was to go to the studio to be painted...and beautifully painted it was!
Condition is fantastic considering age and the fact that these wares were designed for everyday use...no restorations or hairlines; just the customary crazing and some chips along the edges as you can see in the photograph.
It measures 9.5 inches in diameter and is 1.675 inches high.
It is unsigned; there is an incised x on the reverse...this was often used to indicate that once the form as fired, it was to go to the studio to be painted...and beautifully painted it was!
Condition is fantastic considering age and the fact that these wares were designed for everyday use...no restorations or hairlines; just the customary crazing and some chips along the edges as you can see in the photograph.
Priced at $ 95. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Henriot Quintal-form Tulipière Vase
Perfect on its own or filled with flowers, this Henriot tulipière features a petit breton playing the bombarde on one side.....while a riot of colorful blossoms is on the other. Made circa 1925, it is 6.375 inches high and 5 inches wide and is signed by the Henriot factory on the bottom. There are bits of roughness and small chips to each of the five openings, but nothing to deter from its great colors and wonderful form. A piece guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
HB Quimper Roi Gradlon Coupe à Pied...René Quillivic Footed Dish with King Gradlon, Dahut and Morvarc'h
This decorative coupe is perfect for adding a bit of Celtic excitement and Quimper history to any décor!
The interior has a rich, multi-toned green glaze that serves as a perfect complement to the three-dimensional design on the sides. Throw in a handle in the form of a horse's head and some bright gold accents and there you have it...a piece worthy of René Quillivic!
The interior has a rich, multi-toned green glaze that serves as a perfect complement to the three-dimensional design on the sides. Throw in a handle in the form of a horse's head and some bright gold accents and there you have it...a piece worthy of René Quillivic!
Quillivic (1879-1969) was an accomplished sculptor, ceramics designer, and a sort of muse for the HB factory from the 1920s until 1962 when he last utilized the private art studio that had been set up for him in the attic of the pottery.
The piece measures 8 inches wide and is 3.5 inches high including the handle (2.875 inches high not including the handle), and 4.3125 inches deep.
Popular in the period just after the end of World War II when this piece was made, the use of a gold glaze required an additional step and was, thus, reserved for more expensive examples...i.e. pieces of art pottery rather than tablewares. One characteristic of the gold glaze...in addition to it being more expensive...is that it was also more fragile...putting the condition of this example in the magnificent category!
The coupe is marked on the bottom as shown below:
The piece measures 8 inches wide and is 3.5 inches high including the handle (2.875 inches high not including the handle), and 4.3125 inches deep.
Popular in the period just after the end of World War II when this piece was made, the use of a gold glaze required an additional step and was, thus, reserved for more expensive examples...i.e. pieces of art pottery rather than tablewares. One characteristic of the gold glaze...in addition to it being more expensive...is that it was also more fragile...putting the condition of this example in the magnificent category!
The coupe is marked on the bottom as shown below:
Priced at $ 125. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Pair 19th Century 'Sujet Ordinaire' Plates
A pair of classic early Quimper faïence plates...the epitome of vintage French folk art faïence! They are 8.5 inches in diameter and stand 1.125 inches high.
They have the early, no foot-rim back with evident pontil marks. Other desirable vintage characteristics include iron reds that are raised to the touch and brownish-purple manganese bands. Unsigned, circa 1890, we guarantee them to be authentic Quimper production. Condition is excellent for pieces of this vintage...typical surface glaze pops and each has one small unobtrusive chip to the glaze on the back edge.
They have the early, no foot-rim back with evident pontil marks. Other desirable vintage characteristics include iron reds that are raised to the touch and brownish-purple manganese bands. Unsigned, circa 1890, we guarantee them to be authentic Quimper production. Condition is excellent for pieces of this vintage...typical surface glaze pops and each has one small unobtrusive chip to the glaze on the back edge.
Priced at $ 195. for the pair; plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Henriot Petite Normande Box
The decoration on this charming Quimper box is wonderful...a very attractive young lady from Normandy in her Sunday-best costume posing demurely with her hands in her pockets as she stands between a couple of pine trees. A straight, deep cobalt blue band and a wavy, golden-orange band accent both the lid and the base...which rests on four little "feet".
Measuring 4.125 inches by 4.125 inches and 2.5 inches high, it is in mint condition with one speck of kiln dust caught in the background glaze near her right shoulder. It was made in the more demanding process known as over-glaze and is a wonderful example of vintage Qumper faïence.
Unsigned, it is Henriot from the era of 1925-1930...unmistakably vintage Henriot...you have our word...as we provide a written guarantee.
Measuring 4.125 inches by 4.125 inches and 2.5 inches high, it is in mint condition with one speck of kiln dust caught in the background glaze near her right shoulder. It was made in the more demanding process known as over-glaze and is a wonderful example of vintage Qumper faïence.
Unsigned, it is Henriot from the era of 1925-1930...unmistakably vintage Henriot...you have our word...as we provide a written guarantee.
Priced at $ 45. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Malicorne Faïence Figure of Notre Dame du Chêne...Emile Tessier
This figure by the Emile Tessier pottery in Malicorne depicts Notre Dame du Chêne...Our Lady of the Oak Tree. It dates from circa 1930, but commemorates an event that happened centuries ago in the village of Vion...west of Malicorne.In the fifteenth century, it was customary for the shepherds of the area to end their day by gathering around a particular oak tree for a moment of prayer. They were attracted to that specific spot by the doves that fluttered around the trees and a special quality of light that seemed to highlight the crown of one particular tree. Eventually, a local priest placed a statue of the Virgin and Child in the crook of its main branches and soon the faithful shepherds were placing flowers by the statue.
In 1494, a young man tried to take some of the flower offerings and not only could he not do so, but he was immediately stricken with a stiff neck. Passersby took him and the statue into the local church...where he was just as suddenly cured...but meanwhile the statue disappeared...only to be found back in its niche in the oak tree. Word spread so that whenever a shepherd was ill or injured, he would be brought to the church along with the statue, and would be immediately cured while once again, the statue would mysteriously find its way back to the niche in the oak tree. A chapel was built on the spot in 1515...replaced by the current Basilica de Notre Dame du Chêne in the 1860s. In addition to crinks in the neck, prayers to Notre Dame du Chêne are said to offer protection from storms.
The figure is 8.75 inches high, 2.875 inches wide, and 2.75 inches deep. It's in excellent condition...just two small chips...more like nibbles...to the back of the base.
It is signed on the bottom with the factory mark for Emile Tessier of Malicorne. The Tessier factory opened in 1926 and ended with the death of Emile Tessier in 1971. Born in Malicorne in 1887, prior to opening his own faïencerie, Tessier worked for Léon Pouplard at the latter's Faïencerie du Plat d'Etain...beginning when Tessier was just thirteen years old.
Click on the photographs below for a larger view:
In 1494, a young man tried to take some of the flower offerings and not only could he not do so, but he was immediately stricken with a stiff neck. Passersby took him and the statue into the local church...where he was just as suddenly cured...but meanwhile the statue disappeared...only to be found back in its niche in the oak tree. Word spread so that whenever a shepherd was ill or injured, he would be brought to the church along with the statue, and would be immediately cured while once again, the statue would mysteriously find its way back to the niche in the oak tree. A chapel was built on the spot in 1515...replaced by the current Basilica de Notre Dame du Chêne in the 1860s. In addition to crinks in the neck, prayers to Notre Dame du Chêne are said to offer protection from storms.
The figure is 8.75 inches high, 2.875 inches wide, and 2.75 inches deep. It's in excellent condition...just two small chips...more like nibbles...to the back of the base.
It is signed on the bottom with the factory mark for Emile Tessier of Malicorne. The Tessier factory opened in 1926 and ended with the death of Emile Tessier in 1971. Born in Malicorne in 1887, prior to opening his own faïencerie, Tessier worked for Léon Pouplard at the latter's Faïencerie du Plat d'Etain...beginning when Tessier was just thirteen years old.
Click on the photographs below for a larger view:
Priced at $ 225. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
HR Quimper 12 inch diameter Demi-Fantasie Charger
Here's an impressive, heavily-potted example of classic Quimper...a wonderful HR Quimper faïence charger, 12" in diameter. It has a foot rim, stands 2 inches high and is decorated with a glorious floral garland border all the way around its gently scalloped edge...a form called plat rond festonné. In the center, a lovely blonde petite bretonne wearing the costume of the area that includes Pont-Aven is painted holding her distaff...the tool she used to spin wool and flax.
The colors are typical of early Quimper pottery...rich cobalt blue, the distinctive orange-y reds from iron oxides, clear green from copper, cheerful yellow from antimony and the brownish-black of manganese.
The motif for this piece was more involved and required a higher level of skill than pieces painted with the traditional blue and yellow-gold striped borders; in the official Henriot factory records, this level of décor was known as demi-fantasie.
The charger is signed HR Quimper and dates from circa 1910. It rings true and looks great; there has been a bit of professional restoration along the top edge and it has the typical skips and glaze pops that collectors of early Quimper pottery expect and appreciate as they only add to its individuality and charm!
The colors are typical of early Quimper pottery...rich cobalt blue, the distinctive orange-y reds from iron oxides, clear green from copper, cheerful yellow from antimony and the brownish-black of manganese.
The motif for this piece was more involved and required a higher level of skill than pieces painted with the traditional blue and yellow-gold striped borders; in the official Henriot factory records, this level of décor was known as demi-fantasie.
The charger is signed HR Quimper and dates from circa 1910. It rings true and looks great; there has been a bit of professional restoration along the top edge and it has the typical skips and glaze pops that collectors of early Quimper pottery expect and appreciate as they only add to its individuality and charm!
Mathurin Méheut...Original Folio Prints from the 1911 Études d'Animaux Portfolio
These half-tone chromolithograph plates were part of a portfolio of art by Mathurin Méheut published in Paris in 1911 by the Librairie Centrale des Beaux-Arts. The complete set consisted of a hundred fine half-tone chromolithograph plates of animals from the land and sea that had been mounted with wide borders on thick board. They were published unbound as an art portfolio and were one happy result of Méheut's research at the marine biology center in Roscoff.
We have three different prints available...crawfish, crab and shrimp.
..this one is a study of écrevisse or crawfish...
Each image has his signature in the lower right...two "m"s entwined...this was Méheut's artistic signature up until 1920.
Méheut's Roscoff adventure began in 1910 and lasted two years. He had accepted the task as part of a commitment to the French magazine Art et Décoration...initially for a series of three scientific articles. Immersed in his research, his stay in Roscoff would instead result in thousands of individual studies, 400 watercolors, 200 drawings and 100 paintings. The Études d'Animaux portfolio was the first of Méheut's art folio publications and obviously served as inspiration for his work at Henriot.
They are available individually and would look fantastic displayed with any of Méheut's Service la Mer pieces. Each image measures 12.5 inches high by 9.375 inches wide. Each is displayed with the original mat...they were matted onto folio board that bears the name of the project and each matted print measures 17.25 inches high by 13.3125 inches wide.
Condition is great; there is some slight discoloration to the edges of the mats as you can see in the photos, but no foxing and all of the images are in excellent condition. The shrimp study is a slightly different color than the other two. They are available individually so you can pick your favorite fruit-de-mer!
Priced at $ 25. each, plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
We have three different prints available...crawfish, crab and shrimp.
..this one is a study of écrevisse or crawfish...
Each image has his signature in the lower right...two "m"s entwined...this was Méheut's artistic signature up until 1920.
Méheut's Roscoff adventure began in 1910 and lasted two years. He had accepted the task as part of a commitment to the French magazine Art et Décoration...initially for a series of three scientific articles. Immersed in his research, his stay in Roscoff would instead result in thousands of individual studies, 400 watercolors, 200 drawings and 100 paintings. The Études d'Animaux portfolio was the first of Méheut's art folio publications and obviously served as inspiration for his work at Henriot.
They are available individually and would look fantastic displayed with any of Méheut's Service la Mer pieces. Each image measures 12.5 inches high by 9.375 inches wide. Each is displayed with the original mat...they were matted onto folio board that bears the name of the project and each matted print measures 17.25 inches high by 13.3125 inches wide.
Condition is great; there is some slight discoloration to the edges of the mats as you can see in the photos, but no foxing and all of the images are in excellent condition. The shrimp study is a slightly different color than the other two. They are available individually so you can pick your favorite fruit-de-mer!
Priced at $ 25. each, plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Decorative Pyrography by Paul Fouillen
We're excited to offer you this great example of Paul Fouillen pyrography.
It is described in old catalogs as a powder box, but it could hold small amounts of just about anything...someone suggested that it was perhaps used for snuff, but it will certainly hold the odd handful of paper clips or push pins and would be a great ring box...although it is definitely decorative on its own.
Paul Fouillen's initial dabbling in pyrography...the art of burning a decorative motif into a wooden object...dates from 1926 when he was still working at the HB pottery. The craft of pyrography actually dates from ancient times, but the equipment and style of decoration Fouillen employed is indicative of when it became a very popular craft during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. His range of wooden pieces include decorative furniture, plates, platters, serving trays, glove boxes, powder boxes and just about anything else made of wood. Fouillen's work was an immediate success and soon had its imitators. Fouillen wisely registered his trademark for his wood pieces in 1927 and 1928.
Our example is decorated with a petite bretonne wearing the coiffe of Quimper and is signed on the front and on the bottom:
Paul Fouillen's initial dabbling in pyrography...the art of burning a decorative motif into a wooden object...dates from 1926 when he was still working at the HB pottery. The craft of pyrography actually dates from ancient times, but the equipment and style of decoration Fouillen employed is indicative of when it became a very popular craft during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. His range of wooden pieces include decorative furniture, plates, platters, serving trays, glove boxes, powder boxes and just about anything else made of wood. Fouillen's work was an immediate success and soon had its imitators. Fouillen wisely registered his trademark for his wood pieces in 1927 and 1928.
Our example is decorated with a petite bretonne wearing the coiffe of Quimper and is signed on the front and on the bottom:
There are some areas where the varnish used in the original process is checked and where small bits of paint and varnish have flaked off...
...but as you can see from this close-up view, it retains all of its unique Fouillen charm!
Priced at $ 25. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Priced at $ 25. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Pelle à Tarte...Faïence Pie/Cake/Quiche Server by Paul Fouillen
Pie, cake and quiche are always good...but how much better will they be when served with this unusual pelle à tarte...that's French for pie server!
It was made at the Paul Fouillen pottery...a historical site in the Locmaria neighborhood of Quimper...the front door of the building still has its adorable doorbell decoration...
The building itself is located on Place Styvel and extends...
..along the Odet River. At one time a popular café/dance hall, since 1928 it has been the Paul Fouillen factory...producing various forms of decorative arts, including pyrography, furniture and, of course, ceramics. It was there that the pie server was made and painted with its colorful Celtic heart motif...
It measures 9.375 inches long, 3 inches wide and the handle is 1.5 inches high. Bake a pie and use it as it was intended or tie a ribbon around the handle and hang it up as a great wall decoration. It is in reasonable condition for a utilitarian item of that era...no breaks or cracks...the handle has some areas on the stripes which have been "blued-in".
(The blue glaze sometimes posed a problem and was prone to flaking. A traditional source for cobalt...used for making the blue glaze...was Germany and procuring supplies of cobalt was at times difficult depending upon the political situation between the two countries).
Accenting the central motif of the Celtic heart, the sides have a "sawtooth" shape along part of the side of the serving portion...this is accented in dark blue and golden yellow and lighter blue dots extend from the sides to the striped handle.
It is signed underneath...where the server and the handle meet..."P. Fouillen-Quimper" with the distinctive loop around the two "l"s.
(The blue glaze sometimes posed a problem and was prone to flaking. A traditional source for cobalt...used for making the blue glaze...was Germany and procuring supplies of cobalt was at times difficult depending upon the political situation between the two countries).
Accenting the central motif of the Celtic heart, the sides have a "sawtooth" shape along part of the side of the serving portion...this is accented in dark blue and golden yellow and lighter blue dots extend from the sides to the striped handle.
It is signed underneath...where the server and the handle meet..."P. Fouillen-Quimper" with the distinctive loop around the two "l"s.
Priced at $ 40. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Vintage Paper Dolls...Mariannick and Les Korrigans
This is a wonderful sheet of vintage paper dolls; the original and uncut sheet represents a young petite bretonne...Mariannick...and a group of rascal korrigans cavorting around the menhir and dolmen. The sheet is not dated, but appears to be from around the 1920s or 30s. It were published in Brittany by Editions Jelp of Nantes. The graphics are great and the uncut sheet would be superb framed on a wall...or think how much fun it would be to cut them out and display them among a grouping of Quimper pottery! I love the look on the faces of the korrigans. Interestingly enough, Mariannick comes with the front and back of the costume of Quimperlé but she has two coiffes...Quimperlé's and the coiffe of Pont-L'Abbé!
The legend on the top of the sheet reads Mariannick s'est attardée dans la lande bretonne et a grand peur car les korrigans ont commencé leur ronde au clair de lune autour des menhirs et des dolmens...meaning "Mariannick stayed behind in the Breton moors and has great fear because the korrigans have begun their moonlight dance around the menhirs and dolmen."
The sheet measures 17.5 inches by 10.875 inches and is in excellent condition.
The legend on the top of the sheet reads Mariannick s'est attardée dans la lande bretonne et a grand peur car les korrigans ont commencé leur ronde au clair de lune autour des menhirs et des dolmens...meaning "Mariannick stayed behind in the Breton moors and has great fear because the korrigans have begun their moonlight dance around the menhirs and dolmen."
The sheet measures 17.5 inches by 10.875 inches and is in excellent condition.
Priced at $ 15. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Elegant Porquier-Beau Rouen-Inspired Jardinière
Whether filled with flowers and set in the center of the table, on a sideboard or displayed on a shelf, this is an outstanding Porquier-Beau jardinière that is sure to impress. One side is painted with a charming scène bretonne...
...an uncommonly found scene of a lovely couple from Quimper strolling along behind a man with a cane and a bombarde player...one of the rituals of a Breton marriage where the newlyweds traditionally go from village tavern to village tavern...and dance before the celebrating patrons. It is expertly painted...the detail of the village in the background is stunning.
The other side...
The other side...
...features an elegant double crest...that of the Duchy of Brittany and on the right, the crest of the town of Quimper...
...all set within beautiful Rouen-inspired floral motifs...
It measures a generous 16 inches wide, 5 inches high, and 8.25 inches deep.
The edges of three of the feet have some minor dings that have been "blued-in", but as you can see, the appearance is excellent.
It dates from 1894 to 1903 and has the entwined P and B mark with a serif...
The edges of three of the feet have some minor dings that have been "blued-in", but as you can see, the appearance is excellent.
It dates from 1894 to 1903 and has the entwined P and B mark with a serif...
One of those gorgeous pieces that works from all angles, the handles on each side are formed from a clever twist of clay...
On its own or filled with fruit, flowers or topiaries, it's sure to be an elegant addition to your setting.
Priced at $985. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Priced at $985. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
And finally...last, but not least...
Our Book...Quimper Pottery...a Guide to Origins, Styles and Values
Our Book...Quimper Pottery...a Guide to Origins, Styles and Values
Our book. It represents over ten years of mind-numbing research. It made my father proud and my sister jealous. This, of course, is a good thing! It was written because I'm ornery...can't be helped, it's a Celtic trait...and what was being said about Quimper pottery just did not jive with our first-hand knowledge of ceramics in general and Quimper pottery in particular. In our book, we reveal the history behind the distinctive Quimper designs and individually profile seven different Quimper pottery factories. Special focus is given to the painters and potters that created this delightful French art pottery and a virtual photo album traces its chronological development from 100 A.D. to today.
Hardbound, 224 pages, and with over 500 color photographs, it is both entertaining and informative, and was designed to truly function as a guide to Quimper pottery's origins, styles, and values. It will greatly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of Quimper pottery.
We are very proud of our book, but then that's to be expected. Here's a sampling of what others have had to say:
"Votre livre plaît beaucoup"
museum curator, Quimper, France
"Marvelous...
congratulations...your book has a great success in France"
antiquaire, Paris, France
"...I find the information very well presented and did not find any errors in the facts or otherwise"
Quimper faïencerie owner, Stonington, Connecticut
"...J'ai acheté votre livre...au Musée de la Faïence...Je l'ai trouvé en tous points remarquable et je vous adresse ainsi qu'a Mark toutes mes felicitations pour ce beau travail."
Quimper faïencerie owner, Quimper, France
"...love it...beautifully written...the technical information is surprisingly readable and I know that isn't easy."
Quimper pottery collector, USA
How to get your very own autographed copy? The price is $ 50. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
Hardbound, 224 pages, and with over 500 color photographs, it is both entertaining and informative, and was designed to truly function as a guide to Quimper pottery's origins, styles, and values. It will greatly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of Quimper pottery.
We are very proud of our book, but then that's to be expected. Here's a sampling of what others have had to say:
"Votre livre plaît beaucoup"
museum curator, Quimper, France
"Marvelous...
congratulations...your book has a great success in France"
antiquaire, Paris, France
"...I find the information very well presented and did not find any errors in the facts or otherwise"
Quimper faïencerie owner, Stonington, Connecticut
"...J'ai acheté votre livre...au Musée de la Faïence...Je l'ai trouvé en tous points remarquable et je vous adresse ainsi qu'a Mark toutes mes felicitations pour ce beau travail."
Quimper faïencerie owner, Quimper, France
"...love it...beautifully written...the technical information is surprisingly readable and I know that isn't easy."
Quimper pottery collector, USA
How to get your very own autographed copy? The price is $ 50. plus shipping. To purchase, please contact us at oldquimper@yahoo.com.
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That's our Shop in Your Slippers selection for this issue...now all we need is your zip code/ postal code to figure out the cost of shipping...you can contact us at: oldquimper@yahoo.com