France
Sèvres Factory
Jules Diéterle (designer); Charles Barriat (enameler)

This imposing bowl was made at the French porcelain factory at Sèvres. This state-established enterprise established in 1756 has always occupied a unique position between studio and industrial art. The mission of Sèvres as a teaching institution and exemplar for industry was reaffirmed just before 1850 (and just before this bowl was made) “to produce ceramics whose quality, choice models and decoration are superior to those which private industry can produce.”

The bowl was designed in modified Italian Renaissance revival style by the factory’s artistic director, Jules Diéterle, who named it coupe de Milan (“Milan dish”). It was painted by the Sèvres specialist in flowers, Charles Barriat, according to a complex design of both brilliantly naturalistic and highly stylized floral motifs. Sèvres was famous for its colors, employing talented chemists responsible for developing new effects and perfecting those in use.

Porcelain, enamel colors and gilding, 1851–52
Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. George M. Jones, Jr., 1990.104