A French fine earthenware (*faïence fine*) lidded pot by the renowned manufacture Creil et Montereau, decorated in the classic "Filet Bleu" bistro style. The cylindrical body features a stepped rim with vivid cobalt-blue painted banding around the upper flange, lower base, and domed cover, topped with a central vented knob.

The underside retains a clear underglaze green factory stamp displaying an embellished ribbon motif inscribed "DÉPOSÉ" over "CREIL ET MONTEREAU", accompanied by impressed numeric and letter factory marks.

Historical & Style Details

• Artist / Maker: Creil et Montereau
• Period: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Glazed fine earthenware (faïence fine) with hand-painted blue enamel lining
• Markings: Underglaze green ribbon stamp "DÉPOSÉ / CREIL ET MONTEREAU" to base; impressed mark "1e T"
• Decorative Details: Double cobalt-blue hand-painted circumferential banding; domed lid with pierced knob
• Colour & Surface: Creamy white glossy glaze with deep cobalt-blue accents
• Condition: Light rubbing to unglazed foot rim, minor glaze crazing consistent with age; overall excellent antique condition

History

The Creil-Montereau manufactory, established through the merger of two prominent French ceramic houses in 1840, was celebrated for producing durable white earthenware (*faïence fine*) that catered to both French domestic life and commercial brasseries. The minimalist blue-lined decoration, commonly called "Filet Bleu," became an iconic symbol of late 19th- and early 20th-century French dining culture. Lidded pots of this refined proportions were traditionally utilized on French bistro tables for serving condiments, sugar, or butter.