A decorative collection of three vintage enamel-on-copper dishes / trays, offered together as one auction lot.
The lot includes:
• 1 x Limoges cloisonné enamel dish on copper, signed “Thié” • 1 x MEAB Ireland handmade enamel-on-copper abstract dish • 1 x abstract rectangular enamel-on-copper pin dish / trinket tray
The standout piece is the small Limoges-style cloisonné enamel dish, signed in cursive gold enamel “Thié” to the interior. It is decorated with a stylised hoopoe-type bird among berries and foliage, with fine gilt wire cloisons, translucent enamel colours, turquoise ground and visible copper rim/base. The design has strong Art Nouveau / Belle Époque decorative appeal. Attribution to Jean Thié / Limoges is made by style and signature rather than documentary proof.
Limoges / Thié dish approx: Diameter: 8 cm Height: 1.4 cm Weight: 42 g
Also included is a vintage handmade MEAB enamel-on-copper dish, stamped to the reverse:
MEAB handmade in the Republic of Ireland
This Irish studio craft piece has an abstract open-fired enamel design in black, yellow, white, red and pink tones against a speckled lilac-grey ground. The reverse shows scratching, patina, oxidation and residue from an old label.
MEAB dish approx: Height: 1.3 cm Width: 8.5 cm Depth: 5.2 cm Weight: 35 g
The third piece is a small rectangular enamel-on-copper pin dish / trinket tray, decorated with an abstract open-fired enamel design in cobalt blue, gold, pink, cream and yellow tones. The reverse is enamelled in deep blue. Unmarked.
Rectangular dish approx: Height: 1.2 cm Width: 10.2 cm Depth: 7 cm Weight: 68 g
Combined weight: approx. 145 g
Condition:
All three pieces are in good vintage decorative condition overall, with age-related surface wear, scratches, patina, oxidation, firing bubbles, enamel irregularities and general handling wear consistent with age and manufacture.
The Limoges / Thié bird dish has minor rim wear, subtle enamel crazing and small traces of verdigris to the copper base. No obvious chips, cracks or structural damage noted.
The MEAB Ireland dish presents well to the front, with light age-related surface wear. The reverse shows expected scratching, patina, oxidation, handling wear and old label residue.
The rectangular abstract tray presents well, with surface scratching, handling wear, small firing bubbles and minor irregularities consistent with enamel-on-copper manufacture.
Decorative use only. Not food safe.
A good mixed lot for collectors of enamel-on-copper, Limoges cloisonné, Irish MEAB enamel, mid-century studio craft, Art Nouveau-style bird decoration and vintage decorative dishes.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.