Creil & Montereau - Flora' (geïntroduceerd op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1855 in Parijs). - Sauce boat - classic deep-blue transferware floral décor - Faience - Antique sauce bowl with spoon

Creil & Montereau 'Flora' Antique Sauce Tureen with Lid & Spoon – ca. 1870-1890

Rare complete and authentic antique sauce tureen (saucière à couvercle) with original matching lid and original keramieken opraoplepel (louche). Executed in the famed and sought-after 'Flora' decor of the renowned French manufactory Creil & Montereau. The lot features rich deep-blue floral transfer decoration, stylized branch-shaped handles, and a graceful rosebud on the lid.

Specifications & Details

Maker / Manufacturer: Creil & Montereau (France).
Background: Born from the 1840 merger of two famous French faience manufactories, Creil (founded c. 1797) and Montereau (founded c. 1745). The factory was worldwide known in the 19th century for its superior quality Faience Fine and innovative transferware decors.

Model / Decor: 'Flora' (introduced at the World Exhibition of 1855 in Paris).

Markings: On the underside of the foot is a blue underglaze stamp letter 'B' (a so-called marque d'ouvrier or size marker for the foundry) and a pressed blind mark (en creux) in the clay. The absence of the addition 'France' confirms an early production prior to the 1891 international export legislation.

Style & Period: Historicism / Neo-Rococo (ca. 1870 - 1890).

Material: French Faience Fine / Fine Earthenware (Terre de Fer).

Condition: In excellent antique condition with characteristic, fine-mesh crazing in the glaze and a natural patina appropriate to age. No cracks or restorations.

Dimensions & Weight

Height (including lid): 17 cm
Width (across from handle to handle): 20 cm
Depth: 15 cm
Opening diameter: 12 cm
Ladle length: 14 cm
Total weight: 640 g

Historical Use & Current Application

What it was used for:
In the second half of the 19th century, this sauce tureen was part of a luxurious, formal French dinner service. It was used for keeping warm and serving refined sauces, jus, and ragouts at table. The notch in the lid in combination with the original spoon ensured the contents stayed at temperature.

What you can use it for now:

Functional: Especially atmospheric for serving warm or cold sauces, compotes, or dressings at a festive dinner.
Decorative: A sought-after collectable and a striking centerpiece in a display cabinet, sideboard, or country kitchen.

Photo Attribution & Shipping

Photo note: The first main photo and the atmosphere photo on the set table have been edited with AI image generation to show the object in a suitable interior and place setting. The physical object itself has not been digitally altered in any way.

Shipping: The lot will be packed with extreme care using multiple layers of bubble wrap, foam, and cardboard. Registered and insured shipping with Track & Trace.