1830s French Gien Black & White Porcelain Transferware Bowls, Pair

Description

Lovely antique French black & white transferware bowls discovered at the Brussels antique market. Central medallion features a barefooted young … more Lovely antique French black & white transferware bowls discovered at the Brussels antique market. Central medallion features a barefooted young woman with a tambourine at her side admiring beloved items from a treasure box. The initials of the artist "JBM" (Jean-Baptiste Mayer) are in the intricate ring around the scene. We surmise that the lady is perhaps of Roma (Gypsy) ethnicity as symbolized by the tambourine at her feet and the Italian volcano in the background which appears to be Mt. Vesuvius of Naples where there was a large Romani population. Along the rim of each bowl is an elaborate geometric border design containing three unusual, and seemingly incongruous, scenes: an equestrian gentleman and his hounds; a French coq, hen, and their chicks; a beggar with crutches.

The underglaze mark en verso is that of Gien porcelain; our research suggest fabrication between 1834 & 1844.

Good antique condition; one shows mild discoloration and a hairline crack on the underside which is faintly visible on the front. The other has an inner edge chip which has been previously overpainted with black paint, as shown. Minor issues for pieces that are believed to be 170-180 years old.

Free local pickup; otherwise shipped via economical UPS ground. less