Set of 6 Antique French Gien 'Chevrefeuille' Terre de Fer Blue Floral Deep Soup Plates

DESCRIPTION

An exquisite set of six antique French Terre de Fer deep SOUP bowls produced by the renowned Faïencerie de Gien in the desirable "Chèvrefeuille" (Honeysuckle) pattern. Decorated in a rich teal-blue transfer print over a warm cream-glazed earthenware ground, each soup bowl features a delicate central botanical study of flowering honeysuckle branches and vines, framed by a matching stylized floral border around the rim. Bearing the official late 19th-century Gien castle mark alongside "Terre de Fer - Chèvrefeuille" on the undersides, this set pairs seamlessly with the matching Gien tureen or stands alone as a striking wall display, dresser grouping, or table service.

PROVENANCE

Private UK Collection; sourced from a French brocante market.

STORY

Matching the tureen, dinner plates and cake stand from the same late 19th-century dinner service, listed seperately these soup bowls showcase the botanical artistry that made Gien a household name across France during the Belle Époque. Terre de Fer (ironstone earthenware) was created to combine the delicate detail of traditional porcelain with superior everyday durability. Complete sets of six matching deep plates in the Chèvrefeuille pattern—particularly with clear maker's stamps—are increasingly rare and highly sought after by collectors of French provincial ironstone.

CONDITION REPORT

Very good antique condition considering age and delicate earthenware construction. The blue transferware detail remains crisp and bright across all six plates. Glaze displays light, authentic age-related crazing (crackle glaze) throughout, with minor age toning and faint rim marks consistent with 19th-century domestic use. Free from major chips or structural cracks.

MEASUREMENTS

Diameter: 23 cm 

Height: 3.5 cm

DELIVERY

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