{HISTORY}

Made in Limoges, France, between 1896 and 1914 by importer and manufacturer Bawo & Dotter, these gold and green-trimmed porcelain cups and saucers are exquisite in beauty and craftsmanship. 

Representing all the artistry and elegance that French Limoges is known for, Bawo & Dotter started as a New York City-based importer of European porcelain in the 1860s. A decade later, they expanded their business by opening their own decorating studios in Limoges, which they named Elite Works, so that they could purchase blank porcelain made in France, decorate it there and then ship it the United States. Just a few years shy of 1900, Bawo & Dotter expanded again by opening a manufacturing plant in Limoges in addition to their decorating studio. By the turn of the 20th century, Bawo & Dotter was a full-service dishware manufacturer in charge of making, decorating, and importing their pieces to New York for the American retail market. 

Highly influenced by French design of the times, the Bawo & Dotter pieces that have come through the shop in the past have always closely mirrored the design trends and tastes of other revered Limoges porcelain makers like the Haviland family, Bernardaud a Cie, William Guerin, and Tressemanes & Vogt. This artistic similarity between brands was a great indicator of the style of dishware that was popular during the turn of the 20th century. Especially that which appealed to the luxury market and the tastes of the affluent society of New York City. 

Having said that, this set of five Bawo & Dotter cups and saucers is truly exquisite. Each contains detailed gold bands highlighted by Hawthorn green shading and repeating arabesque-style designs. The foot of each cup is scalloped and highlighted with a simple gold stripe; the handles are painted gold, and two thin interior gold stripes complete the ensemble of each cup. The saucers contain the same green and gold pattern as the cups along with delicate fluted embossing to match the pin tuck-style embossing on the cups. All in all, it is a lovely presentation of colors, design, and shape.

Despite their expansions and being poised in the marketplace as both makers and importers, WWI was particularly hard on Bawo & Dotter, affecting not only their plants in Limoges but also their other manufacturing ventures in Germany and Austria. Entering into receivership in 1915, B & D struggled to regain their footing following the end of the war and the start of the Great Depression. The combination of these challenging economic climates forced Bawo & Dotter to cease operation permanently in 1932. 

These cups and saucers were made prior to the start of World War I, back in the halcyon days of the company’s growth and expansion when they could both produce and sell their own wares. Destined for glamorous residences and elegant affairs, they represent a style of old New York before war and economic downturn changed the city and ways in which business was conducted forever.  Hard to find these days, we couldn't locate any reference to a specific pattern name, but this set fits in beautifully with other mix-and-match gold and white porcelain pieces.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Matching set of five cups and five saucers
• Porcelain
• Each set is stamped with maker's mark 
• Gold, white, and green color palette
• Hard-to-find antique pattern
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{CONDITION}

In beautiful antique condition, these ups and saucers contain no chips, cracks, spots or staining. The gold detailing contains no rub marks or wear. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Each cup measures 3.75" inches (diameter) x 2" inches height) and each saucer measures 5.75' inches in diameter. Each cup and saucer weighs 7 oz.