Pair of Tea Cups and Saucers – Manufacture William Guérin – Limoges, c. 1895–1905

Pair of Limoges porcelain tea cups and saucers, made by the W. Guérin & Cie manufactory, circa 1895–1915, during the Belle Époque.

The pieces feature a refined hand-painted floral decoration, combining delicate roses in various shades of pink, small blue flowers reminiscent of forget-me-nots, and fine foliage. The decoration is set against a softly nuanced green ground, deeper towards the outer areas and gradually lightening towards the centre.

The decoration is particularly remarkable for its raised gilt scrollwork, flowers and foliage, executed with exceptionally rich and delicate gilding. The handles are also enhanced with gold and feature an elegant, graceful form that further accentuates the refined character of the set. The saucers have scalloped edges, highlighted by a fine gilt line, while the floral decoration continues harmoniously around the well.

The combination of a coloured ground, delicately painted bouquets and raised gilt ornaments reflects the taste for luxury porcelain of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At the time, the W. Guérin & Cie manufactory was renowned for the quality of its porcelain and for its production destined in particular for export, especially to North America.

The reverse bears the marks “W. Guérin & Cie / Limoges”, together with a backstamp reading “W. Guérin & Cie – Paris & Limoges”, confirming the attribution to the Guérin manufactory.

Good overall condition considering the age, with signs of age-related wear, particularly visible on the saucers and some areas of the gilt decoration. These marks are part of the history of the set and, far from detracting from its charm, give it a beautiful patina, a distinctive personality and the appealing character found in antique objects that have genuinely been used and enjoyed. No chips or hairline cracks.