HB - Hippolyte Boulenger & Cie - Table service (25) - Fruits and Insects - Earthenware - Iron Earth Services

Ironstone Table Service

Manufacturer: Choisy-le-Roi (Hippolyte Boulenger & Cie)
Period: Late 19th century (circa 1880–1900)
Material: Fine earthenware of the “Terre de Fer” type
Decoration color: Deep blue on a cream / ivory ground

General overview

This magnificent fine earthenware service of the “Terre de Fer” type comes from the renowned Choisy-le-Roi manufactory (Haute Époque / Hippolyte Boulenger & Cie). The circular stamp on the reverse bears the famous intertwined “HB” monogram (for Hautin Boulenger), surrounded by the words “TERRE DE FER.”
This iconic pattern features a poetic, naturalistic design combining summer fruits and insects (bunches of grapes, plums, strawberries, peaches), with bees, flies, and dragonflies hovering above. The design is framed by an elegant geometric crosshatch and braided border on the rims. The service’s distinctive charm lies in the variety of its central motifs: the fruit arrangements alternate from one plate to another, preventing the table setting from looking monotonous.

Detailed Inventory and Condition of the Pieces (25 pieces)

The set consists of 25 serving pieces, offering a lovely balance between pristine pieces with their original lustre and pieces with an authentic historical patina.

1. Plates (21 pieces)

• 15 dinner plates: The service’s principal pieces, intended for main courses.
• 6 plates are in pristine condition, providing a perfect base for a crisp, lustrous table setting.
• 6 plates are slightly yellowed with age (incipient crazing of the glaze), while retaining all their aesthetic appeal.
• 2 plates show more pronounced yellowing, with a beautiful natural amber patina (so-called “truffled” or “vellum-finished” earthenware), highly sought after for its authenticity.
• 1 plate has a slight hairline crack (a superficial crack), making it ideal for a collection or gentle display.
• 6 soup plates (or soup bowls): Designed for soups, broths, pasta, or dishes with sauce.
• 5 plates are in pristine condition, with no chips, stains, or cracks—exceptional for pieces of this age.
• 1 plate has slight signs of use or a subtle patina.

2. Serving and Shaped Pieces (4 pieces)

• 1 low compote dish (a footed plate): An elegant piece for presenting petits fours, cakes, or fruit. It is slightly yellowed, giving it a soft ivory tone that is entirely harmonious.
• 1 large round platter (Ø 30 cm): A generous size for tarts, pies, or meat dishes with sauce. Like the compote dish, it is evenly and slightly yellowed, perfectly highlighting the delicate insect engravings.
• 2 oval serving platters:
• The small one (31 x 22 cm): Ideal for fish or appetizers; it is in pristine condition.
• The large one (36 x 26 cm): An elongated showpiece for large cuts of meat. It shows signs of use, evidence of its past as a celebratory serving platter, while remaining fully functional.