A Mid-19th-century Cream Jar Or Hot Chocolate Set

An antique porcelain set for desserts or hot beverages—"pots de crème" or "chocolate pots"—of French origin from the mid-19th century, characterized by a classic and bucolic style. It features a raised serving tray with a wide, contoured base, whose rim has an elegant wavy profile, embellished with a thick band of pure gold that slims the silhouette and decorates both the upper edge and the supporting base. On the base of the tray, where the pots de crème are placed, there is a beautiful decoration: in the center is a miniature bucolic landscape depicting a cottage nestled among trees and foliage, with a figure walking while leaning on a walking stick. The surface all around is embellished with small bouquets of flowers, scattered asymmetrically, in shades of purple, yellow, blue, and green—typical of the decorative tradition of 18th- and 19th-century European ceramics. The set is completed by six matching cups, each featuring a single ring-shaped handle. The shape is slightly rounded at the bottom and tapers gently toward the top. Each cup is topped with a custom-fit lid—essential in bygone eras for keeping hot chocolate warm or preserving the consistency of puddings or creams. Each lid is finished with a richly crafted, gold-plated fruit-shaped knob. The surface of each cup is decorated with miniature landscape scenes depicting romantic countryside vistas, featuring lush trees rendered in shades of green and ochre, small rural structures, and human figures in period attire walking along paths. The polished gold meticulously outlines the edges and the patterns on the lids, the rims of the cups, and the entire line of the handles, creating a sharp and luxurious contrast with the white porcelain background.

N.B. The decoration on one lid is slightly different—it is more ornate and the decorative motif is slightly larger—; we do not know whether it was replaced or made this way intentionally, as both the decoration and the quality of the porcelain are consistent with the period of the set.

PERIOD Mid-19th century

DIMENSIONS Tray: H. 13 cm x W. 30 cm x D. 17.5 cm

Cups H. 9 cm with lids, diameter 5.5 cm

CONDITION Excellent condition