Fine Earthenware Meat Service From Bordeaux, Nella Decoration With Japanese-inspired Birds And Flowers, 19th Century

Rare Bordeaux fine earthenware meat service with the Nella pattern, featuring Japanese-inspired bird and flower motifs on each piece. The platter and plates have grooves and indentations to retain juices. The polychrome decorations are hand-painted with exquisite finesse and vibrant colors. The harmonious composition includes perched birds such as parrots and kingfishers, as well as various insects: butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs. Delicate flowers include water lilies, lotuses, carnations, anemones, prunus blossoms, dahlias, roses, and irises. The white background is highlighted with a cobalt blue border. The entire set is in perfect condition. Created by the Bordeaux manufacturer Vieillard & Cie in the 1870s, this harmonious style evokes both 18th-century naturalistic porcelain and Japonisme. The Vieillard & Cie factory is renowned worldwide for its inventiveness and profound understanding of Persian and Japanese graphic arts: its production is characterized by oriental fantasy, landscapes, flowers, and exotic birds. All pieces are marked "JVB" underneath and also bear the name of the service, "Nella." The service comprises: 12 saucers (25 cm diameter), 1 large serving platter (43 cm long). A very rare set in exceptional condition.