Bernardaud & Co - Table service (27) - SCEAUX - Porcelain

Prestigious high-quality French porcelain service from Limoges composed of:
18 flat plates, diameter 24.5 cm
5 deep plates, diameter 23 cm
4 dessert or starter plates, diameter 21.5 cm.
Producer: Bernardaud & Co.
The marks "B & Co" and "L. Bernardaud & Co. Limoges", one of the most famous and renowned Limoges porcelain houses in France. B & Co: This mark was typically used for "white porcelain" (plain porcelain before decoration). Model from the collection "SCEAUX" written in red.
Historical reference: The note "Motif de la Manufacture de Sceaux XVIIIe" translates to "Motif of the Sceaux Manufactury, 18th century". Origin: Bernardaud paid homage to the famous Sceaux ceramic manufactory near Paris in the 18th century. The Sceaux manufactory was known for its "maience" (glazed earthenware) characterized by these particular naturalistic designs of birds and flowers.
Bernardaud Sceaux version is often regarded as more "painterly" and delicate, reflecting the influence of French Rococo. It is a wonderful piece of French ceramic history! For collection or as part of a luxury dinner service. Polychrome porcelain, hand-painted on a white ground, blue edge on the beaded rim and gilded edge, production mark. Condition: each plate bears small chips (see photo), used over time.
Decoration: Features a central motif of birds (pheasants) on a branch, known as naturalistic decoration, often paired with borders of cherry clusters or similar motifs, blue line on the beaded rim, gilded finishes, textured raised weave on the wide rim. State: Interrupted. Actual production period: 1968 – 1971. The decoration is signed Elbé. The signature "Elbé" (often written as d'Elbé) is a painter: a well-known decorator of fine porcelain. In the French ceramic tradition, factories often produced "grezes" (plain white porcelain), which were then sent to specialized studios or individual artists for hand painting. The mark placed inside the piece (rather than on the back) is typical of a painter-decorator who wanted to claim credit for the artistic realization of the scene.
The berries: pink/purple berries on the border are a classic accompaniment to the avian motifs, used to link the central painting to the edge. Pieces signed by Elbé are highly sought after by collectors of French porcelain because they represent handmade artisanal painting, as opposed to mass-produced decals. Painted by hand or transfer: when viewed closely with a magnifying glass, you can notice slight variations in paint thickness and tiny brushstrokes. It is precisely this "texture" that gives value to Elbé-signed works.