Minton Garniture

This is a stunning garniture consisting of two lidded vases and a ewer, made by Minton in 1891 and painted by the famous porcelain artist Antonin Boullemier. Minton was one of the pioneers of English china production alongside other great potters such as Spode, Davenport, Ridgway, Coalport and others. They were located in Staffordshire and were known specifically for their wonderfully fine white bone china, parian china and bright colours; there is a colour called "Minton Blue" which is a fresh azure blue that Minton excelled in. Minton produced the finest British porcelain, often thanks to the fact that they sourced some of their best artists and scientists from the French Sèvres factory. Minton supplied huge quantities of tablewares, tiles, and other items to the USA in the 19th century, the White House was traditionally supplied with Minton crockery and many great buildings of this era were tiled with Minton tiles. This garniture is decorated by the famous porcelain artist Antonin Boullemier, who was the son of a Sevres decorator and was apprenticed and employed by Sevres, before moving the England in 1881, where he was employed by Minton. For many years he worked exclusively for Minton as one of their most celebrated artists; later on his career he started working freelance from his own studio at home for various factories. Boullemier is known for beautiful depictions of portraits, cupids and mythological subjects and both 18th century and contemporary styles. This garniture is decorated in stunning mazarine blue with extremely fine gilding. The style is very much like the famous Sevres pieces, and the ewer has a stunning mask on the base of the handle. The panels painted by Boullemier show a girl catching butterflies, a cupid watching a bird in a tree, and a girl fishing...