"antique-style" Vase With Marbled Decoration—premiere / Dijon/villers-les-pots Faience!

Large planter—perhaps an orangery tub? A magnificent ceremonial vase in marbled earthenware, produced by the *Faïenceries de Dijon* (specifically the Premières factory in Villers-les-Pots) during the very early 19th century. It features a classical Medici shape resting on a pedestal foot, with handles incorporating detached, drop-style rings. The glaze imitates an imaginary red and blue marble. Decoration in low relief includes a gadrooned frieze on the body and a rim frieze featuring alternating palmettes and acanthus leaves set against a cross-hatched background. Minor chips at the base; a hairline crack at the bottom. Slight firing distortion—actually a very good sign and normal for a piece of this size! Provenance: The sole survivor of a special commission for a private mansion occupied by a prominent Dijon family since the late 18th century; subsequently held in the private collection of an earthenware enthusiast since the late 20th century. The *Faïencerie de Premières* was a historic Burgundian ceramic manufactory located in Premières (Côte-d'Or), founded in the late 18th century by Étienne Pignant. It achieved significant national renown before ceasing traditional operations in the early 20th century.