Pair of Vintage Limoges France Fragonard Porcelain Salt & Pepper Shakers
A decorative matched pair of vintage Limoges porcelain salt-and-pepper shakers, made in France and dating approximately from the mid to later 20th century.
Each shaker is formed as a small baluster or urn-shaped vessel, finished in a rich purple and aubergine lustre glaze with extensive gilt decoration. The fronts are reserved with transfer-printed romantic pastoral scenes depicting elegantly dressed couples in an 18th-century setting.
The printed name “Fragonard” appears beneath each scene, identifying the decoration as being after or in the manner of the celebrated French Rococo painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The scenes are framed by elaborate gilt scrollwork against white porcelain reserves.
The shakers are finished with rounded gilt tops, one pierced with a single dispensing hole and the other with three holes, allowing the pair to be distinguished as salt and pepper.
Both pieces are marked to the underside:
LIMOGES France
The exact decorating workshop is unidentified, but the Limoges France marks confirm French manufacture.
Condition
The pair remains in good vintage decorative condition.
There are no obvious major chips, cracks or repairs visible from inspection. The porcelain bodies remain structurally sound.
There is age-related wear to the decoration, including rubbing and partial loss to areas of the gilt scrollwork, particularly around the printed reserves and lower borders. The purple lustre surfaces show light scratches, handling marks and minor surface wear.
The gilt tops show scratching and rubbing consistent with previous use. The undersides display minor wear and traces of purple pigment around the foot rims.
The filling apertures to the bases are open, and no removable cork or plastic stoppers are present.
Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition report and show the exact pair offered.
Details
* Matched pair of Limoges porcelain shakers * Made in France * Purple and aubergine lustre ground * Gilt rims and scrolling ornament * Transfer-printed romantic courting scenes * Printed “Fragonard” name beneath both scenes * One-hole salt top and three-hole pepper top * Vase or urn-shaped form * Mid-to-late 20th century * Base stoppers not present
Measurements
Each shaker measures approximately:
Height: 6 cm Width: 4 cm
Weight
Combined weight: approximately 86 g
Collector Appeal
An attractive and colourful example of vintage Limoges tableware, combining rich purple lustre, ornamental gilding and traditional Fragonard-inspired romantic imagery.
Their small scale and matched decoration make them well suited to a display cabinet, vintage table setting or collection of Limoges porcelain and French decorative wares.