Elegant Porcelain Covered Centerpiece With Hand-painted Polychrome Floral Decoration – 19th Century

A stunning white porcelain centerpiece, consisting of a rectangular covered soup tureen and its matching large serving platter.

This elegant set, dating from the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900, is distinguished by the delicacy and richness of its polychrome floral decoration, which is entirely hand-painted.

The design features delicate garlands of flowers combining clusters of mauve wisteria with roses in shades of pink, yellow, and white, accompanied by foliage in green and autumnal tones. Light bluish-gray plant motifs, rendered with a translucent effect, lend depth and lightness to the set.

The painting, executed with particular care, is characterized by the subtlety of its shading, the delicacy of its design, and the harmony of its pastel colors.

The various pieces feature scalloped edges highlighted with gold fillets. The side handles of the soup tureen, those of the tray, and the lid handle are entirely embellished with rich gilding, accented with small ornamental motifs in relief.

The soup tureen rests on a rectangular, molded pedestal, while the tray features an elegantly curved shape with four rounded corners.

This set reflects the refinement of tableware in the late 19th century, a period during which large porcelain serving pieces held a prominent place on middle-class tables.

The richness of its decoration, the harmony of its proportions, and the inclusion of its matching tray make it a beautiful display piece that can also be used as a decorative centerpiece.

Marked “PM” on the soup tureen and the tray; likely produced in Limoges, though the specific manufacturer remains to be identified.

Period: late 19th century, circa 1880–1900.

Set consisting of three pieces: soup tureen, lid, and tray.