In this department will be exhibited the largest and most complete assortment in the city. The latest designs of imported and domestic ware have been purchased for the New Haven market and will be sold as low as they can be bought in New York. (The grand opening advertisement for John Bright, September 11th, 1880)

{HISTORY}

One thing is always guaranteed when it comes to antique porcelain from Limoges, France. It's always beautiful.

This set of four antique porcelain teacups was made in the late 1880s by Gerard, Dufraisseix & Morel, just after they took over the Charles Field Haviland pottery upon C.F.'s retirement in 1881.

You can't always trace the precise journey of how one set of dishes made it from France all the way to America but in this case, you can. Thanks to an additional mark on the back of each cup, we know they were imported from France to New Haven, Connecticut to the crockery shop of John Bright. John's shop opened on an early autumn day in September of 1880, just off Mill River in New Haven, and offered a wide assortment of European home goods for the discerning shopper. Since they were made between 1881-1890, it's fun to think that these cups could have been a part of the first wave of inventory in John's first years as shopkeeper, establishing both his fine reputation and his natural eye for beautifully made dishware.

The Haviland name is synonymous with fine quality porcelain - not only an assurance of exquisite craftsmanship but also of gorgeous patterns. These cups feature a scattering of handpainted flowers in pale blue, green and grey in the Normandy shape. Originally, they came with matching saucers, but unfortunately, time got the better of them and the saucers fell victim to many chips and cracks. These cups, however, fared much better and arrive from the 1880s still completely intact, chip-free and as delicately detailed as the day they were made. 

The handpainted design on each cup is different in its placement of the flowers, making each one unique and artistic in presentation. The handles contain striations of gold paint, and each cup's rim bears a subtle embossed design that adds another layer of artistic dimension.  

Advertisement courtesy of The Morning-Journal Courier, October 1880

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Set of Four

- Stamped on bottom with the CFH/ GDM mark as well as the John Bright mark

- Colors include teal, gold, grey, sage and pale yellow

{CONDITION}

In gorgeous antique condition. No chips, cracks or staining.

{SIZE} 

Each cup measures 2" inches (height) x 3.125" inches (diameter) and weighs 2.6 oz. 

 {FOR COLLECTORS}

Find more beautiful porcelain dishware in the shop here.