Saucer thumbnail 1
Saucer thumbnail 2
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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 139, The Curtain Foundation Gallery

Saucer

1878 (made)
Artist/Maker
R. & L. Cellière (manufacturer)
Place of origin
Paris (made)

The centre of the saucer is red in colour beneath a botanic motif in cream. The rest is black and gilt. The decoration refers to both Japanese lacquer and to Indian patterning.

Object details

Category
Porcelain
Object type
Saucer
Materials and techniques
Porcelain with gilt and painted decoration
Brief description
Porcelain saucer with gilt and painted decoration made by R. and L. Cellier of Paris 1878
Physical description
The centre of the saucer is red in colour beneath a botanic motif in cream. The rest is black and gilt. The decoration refers to both Japanese lacquer and to Indian patterning.
Marks and inscriptions
'RLC'in monogram, painted in silver (Monogram may represent 'CELIR')
Gallery label
  • Label for 'American and European Art and Design 1800-1900', Gallery 101, de-canted March 2017: '4 Cup and Saucer 1878 Shown at the International Exhibition Paris, 1878 The display by Cellier at the Paris 1878 exhibition won the manufacturer a silver medal but confused the critics. Some described the exhibits as imitations of damascened bronze, while others admired their oriental character. The decoration of this cup and saucer refers to both Japanese lacquer and Indian patterns, while the form is distantly related to ancient Greek or Etruscan originals. France, Paris; manufactured by R.&L. Cellier Porcelain, painted and gilded Museum no. 672&A-1878'(22/04/2017)
  • CUP AND SAUCER R. & L. Cellier Manufacturers Paris:1878 Porcelain with gilt and painted decoration 672 & a-1878 Bought from the maker, this cup and saucer was shown at the Paris 1878 Exhibition where R. & L. Cellier of Ceramique Centrale, 20 rue de la Sorbonne, were awarded a silver medal. Cellier's display was described by a critic as imitating damascened bronze and by another as oriental, refined and with an indefinable aesthetic which, nevertheless, had an evident charm. The confusion is understandable. The decoration refers both to Japanese lacquer and to Indian patterning, while the cup's form is distantly related to ancient Greek or Etruscan originals.
Object history
Historical significance: R & L Cellière were awarded a silver medal at the international exhibition, Paris, 1878
Bibliographic reference
Aslin, Elizabeth: 'French Exhibition Pieces 1844-78', V&AM, 1973, pl.33 Revue des Arts Dècoratifs, vol. V., 1884-5, p.178
Collection
Ceramics Collection
Accession number
672A-1878

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Record createdMarch 30, 2000
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O34566/saucer-r--l/
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