Limoges Mandavy de Mavaleix Bowl and Plate

This gorgeous matching bowl and plate were made in the Limoges region of France by the firm of Mandavy de Mavaleix, owned by Léon Mandavy and Paul Maurice de Mavaleix, in the years 1908 to 1920. They were known in French as a 'Fabricant décorateur,' both manufacturing and decorating the china, although they did sell their blanks for other artists to paint. These pieces, which are in the "Old Abbey" body style, were decorated "in house" and signed by their artist Barathé on the faces of both. The rims are edged in the customary gilding; the vivid, beautifully painted Emperor tulips, both open and closed, are splashed on a shaded green background and framed with their leaves.

The bowl measures 10 inches across from pierced handle to pierced handle and 8 3/4 inches in diameter not including them. It stands 2 1/4 inches tall and weighs a bit over a pound. It's stamped on back in green "Old Abbey" and "Limoges"; there is also a faded M de M backstamp, difficult to discern and impossible to photograph. The bowl is in nice vintage shape, no cracks, chips or repairs, just wear to the gilding on the embossed rim. The tulips the artist painted on the back are a lovely extra touch.

The plate, while equally as striking as the bowl, bears two small chips on the front, on the lower edge, which reveal the pure white porcelain underneath. Otherwise, it's in good shape, with normal wear to the gilding. The maker's marks on the back are on the right in one of the photographs and include a stamped red "HAND PAINTED" and a very clear M de M mark. The plate measures just over 8 1/2 inches in diameter, stands 1 inch high and weighs 12 ounces.

This luscious antique Limoges pair will be treasured for years to come.

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PYH 4327, PYH 4328