French Décalcomanie Vase by Philippe Deshoulieres

A charming French cylinder vase, this porcelain piece was made by the Limoges firm of Philippe Deshoulieres, founded in 1826. It is decorated with transfers called décalcomanie. On the one side of the vase is a transfer of Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (Little Red Riding Hood) by Imagery Pellerin d'Épinal (in English "Imagery of Épinal"-- Épinal is a commune in northeastern France). Started at the end of the 18th century by Jean-Charles Pellerin, the company published this wood engraving in 1860. Little Red Riding Hood is shown wearing a chic hat rather than a hood and appears to be scolding the wolf.

On the reverse side, the natty French gentleman is telling the pretty lady " J'AI DU BON TABAC...." (I have good tobacco...). This is part of the title for the chanson populaire (popular song) "J'Ai du Bon Tabac Dans Ma Tabatiere." ("I Have Good Tobacco in My Snuffbox") written in 1851, also published by Pellerin. Having good tobacco was apparently a plus for flirting in the mid-1800's in France.

The vase measures 8 inches tall, 3 inches in diameter both top and bottom and weighs 1 1/4 pounds. It's pure white porcelain with embossed blanc de blanc (white on white) fruits--pears, strawberries, grapes, plums--along the base and covered with a high gloss glaze inside and out. The mark on the bottom is printed in green: "PH. DESHOULIERS PORCELAINE FRANCE." This vase is uncommon...we've seen it listed online as rare by a seller in France and that one was plain with no transfers. It's in perfect condition...no chips, stains, cracks or other damage or wear.

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