Jean Marie Gilles, Jeune (Active1837-1868) was one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality biscuit porcelain in the 19th century. He was the official porcelain supplier to the wife of Napoleon III. Empress’ Eugenie, countess of Teba (Eugenia Maria de Montijo de Guzman, 1826-1920). The firm dates back to the 1830s and was located at 28, rue Paradis-Poissonnerie, Paris, France. Gilles displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London where he was awarded a Gold Medal. The Gilles firm, listed as Gilles Jeune, also exhibited at the 1862 International Exhibition in London and the Paris Exhibition of 1867
Biscuit porcelain comes from the French “bis-cuit”, meaning “baked twice” he term is generally used for unglazed ware. Porcelain figures and ornamental wares are left in the unglazed biscuit state for aesthetic reasons. Although white, porous and difficult to clean, French biscuit...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique G. Lévy Decorative Objects