Haviland tableware

Description

Théodore Haviland "Mousseline, Gold and Sapphire" Dinner Service

Muslin porcelain, relief, gilding, cobalt.
France, Théodore Haviland, Limoges, circa 1900–1915.

Origin and context

This superb Théodore Haviland (Limoges, France) muslin porcelain dinner service perfectly illustrates the Limoges craftsmanship of the Belle Époque.
Sleek and luminous, it combines delicate shapes with the technical perfection of the material.
Thus, it reflects all the French elegance and the talent of the artisans of Limoges.

The manufacturer, Theodore Haviland, belonged to a famous American dynasty of porcelain makers.
His factory, founded in Limoges at the end of the 19th century, quickly established itself through the quality of its creations.
Her porcelains, admired throughout Europe, captivated with their brilliance and lightness.
They contributed greatly to the worldwide renown of the Haviland name.

Brands and authenticity

Brands featured on the service:
• “Theodore Haviland, Limoges, France” (handwritten)
• “Th Limoges France Mousseline Porcelain” (with TH monogram)

This double mark was used between 1893 and 1915, at the time when the manufacturer was launching its iconic series Muslin Porcelain.
This porcelain, of extreme fineness and almost translucent, was named by analogy with muslin textile.
The name evoked whiteness, lightness, and a soft feel.
Each piece therefore reveals a quest for perfection, both visual and tactile.

Decor and style

The set consists of:
• with rich gilding on the handles and lids,
• a cobalt frieze adorned with a delicate gold motif in the spirit Louis XVI,
• and slight reliefs highlighting the flexibility of the material.

The style, typical of the Belle Époque, associates elements neo-rococo et Louis XVI.
The elegance of the curves and the brilliance of the gilding create a harmonious whole.
Thus, the service gives an impression of refinement and discreet luxury.

Dating and historical context

Depending on the brand and decoration, this service was produced around 1900–1915.
It belongs to the period of full expansion of the Théodore Haviland factory in Limoges.
At that time, the company produced many prestigious services for a bourgeois and international clientele.
These creations perfectly illustrate the refined taste and modernity of early 20th-century French society.

Set composition (49 pieces)

• 20 dinner plates (Ø 23 cm)
  • 10 soup plates (Ø 24,5 cm)
  • Soup tureen with lid (length 34 cm)
  • Vegetable dish with lid (29 cm long)
  • 2 round dishes (Ø 29 cm)
  • 2 large round dishes (Ø 32 cm)
  • Oval dish (25 cm long)
  • Large oval dish (length 42 cm)
  • Salad bowl with handles
  • Gravy boat for hot sauce with lid
  • Gravy boat for cold sauce
  • 3 oval appetizer platters
  • 2 stemmed bowls (height 13 cm, diameter 23 cm)
  • Large footed bowl (height 14 cm, diameter 24,5 cm)
  • 2 stand-mounted fruit bowls (Ø 23 cm)

Conservation state

The state is impeccable.
The service is complete and perfectly preserved in its original composition.
Kept in a display case, it has retained all the freshness of its colours and the brilliance of its gilding.
Even today, it illustrates the exceptional quality and durability of Haviland's expertise.