A refined, hand-painted porcelain tea caddy done in the Japanese style, as well as in the style of 18th C Chantilly porcelain.
The molded quatrefoil shaped porcelain tea caddy has been hand painted with Japanese iconography and in the Kakiemon style with large areas devoid of decoration. Even the colors are reminiscent of Kakiemon. The glaze is smooth, shiny and unctuous. The base is flat and unglazed. The quality of the painting is very good.
The tea caddy is marked with the red hunting horn hallmark used by Chantilly Porcelain Manufactory, but was not produced by Chantilly. Nevertheless it was still likely made in France in the 19th century. It was likely made by Samson Ceramics (Samson, Edmé et Cie) but could be another maker from the same period, as well. It is made of hard paste instead of soft paste porcelain. The hunting horn is more red than the real mark and the colors are not as lively as they would be on an 18th century example.
In addition to the hunting horn, the words “décoré à la main à Chantilly” are hand-lettered on the base. A portion of the words are hard to decipher. There is also what resembles a circle with a line underneath in blue green, as well as the number “201” impressed in the bottom.
MEASUREMENTS
4 ¼” (10.8 cm) wide x 3 1/8” (7.9 cm) deep x 4 ¾” (12.1 cm) tall. Weighs 10.8 oz (305 g)
CONDITION
There are no chips. There is a crack that is visible on the back, but not inside. Above the crack at the shoulder is a silver scuff like mark. The Chinese red lacquer lid is likely a replacement, but it fits well. The paintings are not worn and look bright and colorful. The interior has a perfume fragrance.
A very refined tea caddy to add to a collection or a French style décor. Marie Antoinette would approve.
