Coquetier In Porcelain Of Paris - Manufacture Of Dagoty - Ep. Empire

Sculptural and figurative in form, resting on a quadrangular base with entirely gilded decoration, the shaft features a winged cookie putto, treated in the round, kneeling and leaning forward, supporting the cup (forming an egg cup) on its back. The flared bowl, with its slightly curved rim, is decorated in relief with a repeating pattern of stylized palmette leaves. The interior is entirely covered with a rich gilding The whole rests on a rectangular base also gilded.

The drawing of this model is listed in the catalog "des fondsmanufacture 19e siècle", kept at the Départements ARTS Graphique des Arts Décoratifs de Paris (see photo of the drawing), thus confirming its attribution.

A few years ago, I also owned an identical model, which bore the Dagoty manufacture mark on the reverse (see photos). This mark formally attested to its attribution.

Dimension(s): Height.6,8 - Long. 5.8 cm - Width 4.2 cm,
Condition(s): PERFECT CONDITION,
EPERIOD: EMPIRE.

Coquetiers dating from the Empire period (1804-1815) are very RARE, and there are several reasons for this linked to the consumption habits, production methods and economic constraints of the time.

The boiled egg was not a commonly served table dish under the Empire. Eggs were used more in culinary preparations (pastries, sauces, omelettes) than eaten on their own. In contrast to the 18th century, when tableware became increasingly sophisticated, under the Empire the emphasis was on more sober tableware influenced by Antiquity.

In contrast to tea sets, coffee sets or sugar bowls, which were commonplace in porcelain factories, the egg cup remained an object of less common use.
Few factories produced them, and those that did, like Dagoty, made mainly luxury models.