Salt cellar - Earthenware

Rare 18th-century polychrome faïence salt-cellar double with a centric tied handle – France (Rouen / Sinceny), ca. 1730–1750

A museum-quality and exceptionally complete preserved double dining set (double salt-cellar with central handle) from the French Ancien Régime (Régence / Louis XV, ca. 1730–1750). This type of dining piece was used at the laid table of the nobility and affluent bourgeoisie for the separate presentation of precious condiments, especially salt and mustard.

Description
Model & Form: Two linked cylindrical bowls connected by a central, transverse arched handle.
Decor: Fully hand-painted in a characteristic grand feu palette (cobalt blue, iron red, green, and ochre yellow). Under the rim lies the lamprey-like motif characteristic for Rouen and Sinceny with green trelliswork (treillage vert). The floral chinoiserie elements and the handle with blue cross-painting seamlessly align with the early 18th-century North French faïence tradition.

Silver mounts: Equipped with two original, hand-forged silver lids with profiled knop crownings. The silver is professionally tested as solid silver (unassayed, in keeping with 18th-century practice for bespoke mounts outside the guild system). The vast majority of these delicate sets have lost their lids over the centuries; a completely preserved ensemble is rare.

Condition report
Ceramics: Structurally in excellent, authentic condition. No breaks, no hairline cracks, and no later restorations. Along the outer and inner rims there is the edge chipping typical of soft 18th-century tin glaze (égrenures), caused by centuries of friction with the silver lids. The unglazed stand ring shows the authentic sandy-colored terracotta core.
Silver: Both lids fit properly and are in very good antique condition with a nicely polished surface and a subtle, authentic patina.

Origin: France (Rouen or Sinceny)
Dating: First half of the 18th century (ca. 1730–1750)
Material: Tin-glazed earthenware (faïence) & tested solid silver
Function: Double salt cellar / spice set (salière double)