Gien Opaque Porcelain Jug With Bérain Decor, 19th Century

Rare model of jug with Bérain decoration, very decorative, from the Gien factory, with stamp dating from 1875. The lid socket is not original, it having been the subject of an old restoration particularly successful with the installation of a spherical head in silver metal. Note tiny chips of enamel on the spout and slight crazing (see photos), but nothing unusual given the age of this piece and the use that has been made of it for 150 years. The so-called "Bérain" decor refers to Jean Bérain father, French painter, ornamentalist and theater decorator, appointed to the court of Louis XIV in 1674 as designer of the King's Chamber and Cabinet. The Bérain style, famous for its arabesques symmetrically decorated with volutes and other lambrequins, influenced the whole of Europe.