{"product_id":"antique-french-gien-chevrefeuille-terre-de-fer-tureen-blue-floral-soup-tureen","title":"Antique French Gien 'Chevrefeuille' Terre de Fer Tureen \/ Blue Floral Soup Tureen","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional antique French \u003ci\u003eTerre de Fer\u003c\/i\u003e soup tureen and cover produced by the renowned \u003cb\u003eFaïencerie de Gien\u003c\/b\u003e in the rare \u003cb\u003e\"Chèvrefeuille\"\u003c\/b\u003e (Honeysuckle) pattern. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePROVENANCE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate UK Collection; sourced from a French brocante market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTORY\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in 1821 in the Loire Valley, the Faïencerie de Gien became famous across Europe for its high-grade \u003ci\u003eTerre de Fer\u003c\/i\u003e(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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maker's mark consists of a \u003cb\u003eblue underglaze transfer stamp\u003c\/b\u003e and an \u003cb\u003eimpressed potters mark\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Blue Underglaze Printed Mark\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShield \u0026amp; Castle Crest:\u003c\/b\u003e The main emblem features a three-towered castle (\u003ci\u003echâteau\/tour\u003c\/i\u003e) surmounted by a mural crown, which is the official historic coat of arms \/ emblem of the town of \u003cb\u003eGien\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eText Around Shield:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ccode\u003ePORCELAINE OPAQUE DE GIEN\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e (Opaque Porcelain \/ Fine Ironstone of Gien).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRibbon \/ Scroll Legend:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ccode\u003eTERRE DE FER\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e on the left banner, and \u003cb\u003e\u003ccode\u003eCHEVREFEUILLE\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e on the right ribbon, denoting both the material quality (heavy fine earthenware) and the specific pattern name (\u003ci\u003eHoneysuckle\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Impressed Base Stamp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the inner rim of the base, there is an impressed factory batch\/size code (appearing as \u003cb\u003e\u003ccode\u003e21B\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e or \u003cb\u003e\u003ccode\u003e21\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e), which corresponds directly to the \u003cb\u003e21 cm diameter\u003c\/b\u003e rim size of the tureen bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specific castle variation of the Gien mark was used primarily from the \u003cb\u003e1870s through the 1890s\u003c\/b\u003e, dating this piece firmly to the late 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCONDITION REPORT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMEASUREMENTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCircumference: 81 cm (around the main body)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 21 cm (diameter across top rim, excluding handles)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 13 cm (excluding lid handle)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDELIVERY\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide delivery available. Please contact us with your postcode or ZIP code for a delivery quotation. Specialist insured delivery can be arranged for fine art, ceramics, and antiques throughout the UK and internationally.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage Midcentury","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54001368793416,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0847\/8677\/4344\/files\/Antique_French_Gien_Chevrefeuille_Terre_de_Fer_Tureen_Blue_Floral_Soup_Tureen.jpg?v=1788601314","url":"https:\/\/vintagemidcentury.co.uk\/products\/antique-french-gien-chevrefeuille-terre-de-fer-tureen-blue-floral-soup-tureen","provider":"Vintage Midcentury","version":"1.0","type":"link"}