Covered Sugar Bowl – Manufacture Jean Pouyat – Limoges, c. 1900–1910

Large covered sugar bowl in Limoges porcelain, made by Manufacture Jean Pouyat, circa 1900–1910.

Of generous proportions, this sugar bowl features a gently curved body resting on a small pedestal foot, two large loop handles and a domed lid topped with a button-shaped finial. Fine gilt accents highlight the finial and pedestal foot.

The principal appeal of this piece lies in the remarkable quality of its hand-painted decoration, whose exceptionally fine and delicate design reveals a true attention to detail. Slender, gracefully curving branches extend across the body, adorned with small pink, yellow and blue flowers, accompanied by foliage rendered in soft shades of grey and blue.

Several dragonflies, meticulously depicted in shades of grey, punctuate the composition. This naturalistic motif appears in a number of decorative designs by Manufacture Jean Pouyat and contributes significantly to the refined character of this piece.

Particular attention has also been paid to the two large loop handles, whose shape is carefully modelled. Their generous, elegant curves, together with the small decorative junctions at their bases, demonstrate the care invested in the design of this piece. The handles contribute considerably to its imposing presence and decorative appeal.

The porcelain is distinguished by its particularly luminous, pure white appearance, characteristic of the high-quality production of Jean Pouyat, a Limoges manufacturer renowned for the fineness and whiteness of its porcelain.

Combining delicate brushwork, subtle colours, floral motifs and insects, this piece reflects the taste of the Belle Époque, with its elegant naturalistic sensibility and Japoniste influences.

The underside bears a green “J.P.L.” mark, corresponding to Manufacture Jean Pouyat in Limoges.

Condition: The gilt lines are now considerably worn and have almost entirely faded due to the age and use of the piece. An old repair has been carried out to one of the handles. Dating from an earlier period, it is particularly discreet and barely noticeable. This repair also reflects the care taken to preserve a piece whose quality and decorative appeal once justified restoration rather than replacement. The finely painted decoration remains remarkably well preserved.