Irish Porcelain

This is an extremely rare Belleek cabaret set for two, or "tête-à-tête", made in the Erne series brought out in the 1890s. The items carry the 2nd Black Mark, used between 1891 and 1926. The set consists of a teapot, a milk jug, a sugar bowl, two teacups and saucers, and a large matching tray. This set is very fine and with its restrained cream-white colour it would make a wonderful wedding gift! If you ever thought Belleek fine china looks, sounds and feels unique, you are right. There is a back story to this extraordinarily fine Irish eggshell porcelain, which has an unusually high amount of "frit" and therefore is thinner and finer than any other china. Pottery in Belleek (in the now Northern-Irish area of Fermanagh) had started in 1849 with John Caldwell Bloomfield, who was a wealthy land owner. During the Irish famine he realised that unless he would find a way for his tenants to make a profit off the land, they would starve. Agriculture had become impossible due to the agricultural diseases. This caused millions to starve and more millions to leave. As an amateur mineralogist, John Caldwell Bloomfield realised that his land had exactly the right mineral deposits to be used as clay for porcelain. He involved several investors and scientists and after many years of research, trial, error, the building of a railway line to import coal from England, and building a factory, the Belleek pottery resulted, employing the local people and soon producing the finest china made with clay from the Belleek area. What had started as a way to fend off famine among the local tenants had became a story of incredible success by the 1880s as Queen Victoria fell in love with the fine white china and the many homely, slightly bizarre but nature-loving designs; this was different from English tradition, yet it was very much to the taste of the British who had developed a real love for home-made fine china since it was introduced in the late 18th Century. Belleek not only brought out many tea services, but started a new tradition of intricately woven porcelain baskets. Soon the English nobility started to place big orders and the pottery is still flourishing today and selling its wares the world over, while in England most potteries have long disappeared. Belleek made many cabaret services, often called breakfast services or "tête-à-tête" services; these were used to carry breakfast tea up to the bedroom. Queen Victoria bought one in the Echinus style during a visit to the factory in the 1860s, and ever since Belleek's cabaret services have been in great demand. Nowadays there are very few of these left and it is rare to find a full service like this. The Erne series was named after the river right besides the Belleek factory. This river forms the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the factory on the Northern Irish end of the bridge at Belleek. The pattern seems to be a play on the baskets and nets of the fishermen who once fished the abundant trout and salmon on the river Erne and the lake that belongs to it. The items carry the second Black Mark, which was used between 1891 and 1926, however the very fine quality of the porcelain indicates that most pieces of the set are more likely to be from the 1890s than from the 20th Century. You will see that the shade of cob lustre is different on each item; this is normal for Belleek tea sets...

These completely handmade porcelain bowls are painted by hand with a charming hands-free winter decor. Teh decor comes as a set of three decors. One shows...

A gorgeous Italian porcelain tazza or cake stand By Tiffany & Co. (signed to the underside) Italy, 1995 Measures: 8.25"W x 8.25"D x 3.5"H Good original vintage condition

A gorgeous set of twelve Art Deco dessert plates with gold gilt border By Minton for Tiffany & Co. England, Circa 1930s Measures: 9"W x 9"D...

Midcentury small collection of four pieces Wedgwood Jasperware diamond cream on blue. Comprising 2 lidded boxes, a cachepot, an ashtray and a pair of candleholders. Vintage, 1960s. A...

This antique late Qing handpainted oval shaped reticulated Chinese export porcelain Famille Rose Medallion bowl with underplate is a stunning piece o...

Octagonal tray in Chinese porcelain for export. Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Polychrome and gilded decoration, with flowers. The central motif features a delicate flora...

A beautiful French oval white and gold pierced Paris Porcelain compote basket tazza bowl in the Empire style, circa late 19th century, France...

This is a Royal Copenhagen porcelain sugar bowl with lid. It has a white background and it is hand painted with a blue bouquet of flowers in the center...

A large set of handmade porcelain dinnerware and coffee / tea service designed by Dorothy Hafner for Tiffany & Co., 1982. The set is being sold as service for six minus one soup bowl...

Antique Meissen braided porcelain basket with handles. Hand-painted flowers and golden border. Late 19th century. Measures: 22.5 x 16.5 x 7.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamp...

Step into the enchanting world of antique elegance with our stunning Hand-Painted & Gilt Decorated Tall Porcelain Rose Vase. This exquisite piece is a testament to timeless beauty, a...