Antique Gien Opaque Porcelain Soup Tureen, 1890-1910, Ironstone Pattern, Chardons Design

A beautiful small antique earthenware tureen from the Gien factory, "Thistles" pattern, Belle Époque, late 19th/early 20th century, circa 1890-1910. It features a dark blue printed decoration of stylized thistles. The earthenware is a slightly creamy ivory white, characteristic of Gien's opaque porcelain. The tureen is complete with its original lid, which has a charming handle. The side handles are in the same style. The decoration on the lid is slightly darker than that on the body, a common difference on antique pieces, due to separate firings or baths. It is marked underneath with the factory's coat of arms: "Porcelaine Opaque de Gien - Chardons" (Gien Opaque Porcelain - Thistles). Approximately 14 cm high with the lid, 22 cm in diameter, 27 cm wide with the handles, and 8.5 cm high without the lid. In very good overall condition considering its age. There are some visible crazing marks from use, both inside and out. There are a few small, discreet, old chips in the glaze on the handles. No cracks, no chips. Approximately 1.6 kg