Covered Vegetable Dish – Manufacture Charles Ahrenfeldt – Limoges, c. 1900–1920

Antique covered vegetable dish in Limoges porcelain, made by the Charles Ahrenfeldt porcelain manufactory, circa 1900–1920.

Oval in shape, it stands on a small moulded foot and features two side handles and a central finial on the lid, all highlighted with gold. It is decorated with a delicate polychrome floral pattern in shades of pink, magenta and black, arranged as a frieze around the body and lid. The stylised flowers and regular composition evoke the beginnings of Art Deco, reflecting the transitional period between Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

The gilding is in very good condition considering its age, with some light superficial wear. The painted decoration is in very good condition and of fine quality. The porcelain has no cracks or chips.

Marked on the underside: “C. Ahrenfeldt – Limoges – Patented – France”.

A date around the very beginning of the 20th century appears particularly consistent with the decoration. The Ahrenfeldt company was established in Limoges from the late 19th century, and Charles Jr. Ahrenfeldt took over the business in 1894, subsequently developing production at Montjovis. The mark “C. Ahrenfeldt – Limoges – Patented” is indeed found on Ahrenfeldt pieces from this period.

It is also worth noting that Charles Jr. Ahrenfeldt filed several design patents in the United States for porcelain pieces, including a patent for a covered serving dish in 1909, demonstrating the importance attached to the design of forms and models intended in particular for the American market.