An antique French earthenware footed compote (coupe sur piédouche) produced by the Manufacture de Pexonne (Fénal Frères), decorated in the 'Louis XVI' pattern. The shallow flared bowl features transfer-printed dark blue Neoclassical decoration including floral garlands, foliate scrolls, and a central star rosette against a deeply patinated cream ground. The bowl is elevated on a spreading circular pedestal foot adorned with a coordinating floral sprig border.

Historical & Style Details

• Maker: Manufacture de Pexonne (Fénal Frères)
• Pattern: Louis XVI
• Period: Late 19th Century (c. 1880–1900)
• Origin: France (Pexonne, Meurthe-et-Moselle)
• Material / Technique: Transfer-printed glazed earthenware (faience fine / terre de fer)
• Markings: Stamped to the underside with blue factory mark reading "LOUIS XVI / F F / PÉXONNE" with central floral motif; impressed letter "D" to inner stem
• Colour & Surface: Cream glazed earthenware with dark blue/black transfer decoration; extensive age-related crazing and tea-stained patination
• Condition: Notable chip/loss to the outer rim edge; allover glaze crazing and dark staining consistent with age and use; light wear to footrim base

History

The Pexonne pottery in Lorraine, France, gained widespread acclaim under the management of the Fénal family (Fénal Frères) during the late 19th century for its durable terre de fer and decorative faience fine tableware. Patterns named after French historical periods, such as 'Louis XVI', capitalized on the Belle Époque's passion for 18th-century Neoclassical revival aesthetics. Pedestal serving pieces of this form remain enduringly popular among collectors of antique French regional ceramics.