An incredible set of three teacups, hand painted in soft, earthy colours and each depicting a different village scene.
Beautifully and expertly crafted by Jules Vieillard et Cie Bordeaux, a renowned and highly respected manufacturer that closed production in 1895.
Vieillard pieces are highly sought after, and this particular design is incredibly rare.
The hallmarks on the underside indicate production between 1829-1895.
While remarkably preserved, please note the signs of wear as pictured, including crazing, tea stains and cracks.
Sourced from the home of a collector in Arles.
dimensions: 4.5"W x 3.25"D x 2.75"H
NOTES:
It was in 1840 that Jules Vieillard (8 June 1813 - 17 September 1868), a native of Paris already famous as porcelain maker, teamed up with David Johnston, who headed a large faience factory in the Bacalan district, which was occupying more than 700 workers and producing 70,000 pieces a week.
Appreciated by Brongniart, director of the Manufacture Royale de Sèvres, the Bordeaux pottery wins medals at several World’s Fairs in Paris. Jules Vieillard then work with painters and lithographers from Bordeaux. Vieillard tries some firing tests and, in 1851, he files a patent. In 1852, Napoleon III, passing through Bordeaux, visited the Manufacture, which employed 800 workers, and handed the Legion of Honor to Jules Vieillard. The latter then proposed his thoughts about the Trade Treaty which was to be made between England and France. In 1854, Jules Vieillard received the gold medal at the Philomathic Society Exhibition and in 1855 the first class medal at the Universal Exhibition of Paris.
Vieillard will gradually break away from the English inspiration and create very colorful new models with floral or oriental motifs. He will invent multiple charming models for table services, lamps, cups, clocks, candlesticks, holy water fonts, vases, flasks, salt shakers, flares or crucifixes. Wonderful collection of extreme finesse and great originality.
In 1859, the report of the 10th Philomathic Society Exhibition in Bordeaux mentions that "Jules Vieillard is at the head of one of the most beautiful establishments that France can oppose to the English manufactures". In 1866, the factory, which includes a new activity as glasswork, employs more than 1000 people, and is one of the largest in France.
On August 20, 1895 production ended. Jules Vieillard et Cie are among the most important names in Bordeaux pottery, collectors of which are always looking for rare pieces.
