Antique French Sauceboat with Attached Stand, Creil et Montereau, Labrador

Period
Circa 1890 to 1900, French

Size
9¾ inches long, 6 inches wide, 4½ inches tall

An antique French sauceboat with an integral oval stand, faïence in the Labrador pattern by Creil et Montereau, part of their Service Bruxelles shape.

Pointed notches at both ends of the rim seat a serving spoon, so this is a piece for spooning out a sauce or accompaniment rather than pouring one. The handle is molded as a naturalistic branch rather than a plain loop, with small leaf sprigs painted along its length. The border carries a garland, but where that device typically runs to laurel, this one uses a more delicate foliate spray, framing medallions filled with a fine lattice rather than left plain. The piece is larger in scale than most surviving examples of the sauciere.

A small glaze chip to the base, with minor wear elsewhere consistent with age and use. Sold as found.

Historical Context
Creil et Montereau operated across the communes of Creil and Montereau from the late eighteenth century, and introduced transfer printing to French pottery by bringing in English potters trained in the technique. Factories of the period often named a shape after a city, as with Bruxelles here, independent of where the piece was actually sold or used.

Styling Ideas
Use it at the table for a chutney, mustard, or relish. On a vanity it can hold jewelry or small accessories, and on a shelf it stands on its own.