15 antique porcelain plates with initials — “CH. PILLIVUYT & Cie PARIS”, “EXP. 1867 MEDAILLE D’OR” – Gold Medal (6896)

Width: 22.5 cm Fifteen antique porcelain plates in the Historicism style

A snapshot from the Second Empire era, Eugénie de Montijo: In the bustling corridors of the Tuileries Palace, where the air was filled with the scent of freshly polished wood and delicate perfumes, the Empress prepared for the honorary banquet of the 1867 World Exposition. She cast a careful glance over the long festive table, where snow-white porcelain plates with gleaming gold monograms rested in perfectly symmetrical rows, reflecting the warm light of the crystal chandeliers.

Her silk-clad fingers lightly touched the smooth, undulating rim of one plate, feeling the coolness of the fine gilding. Each of these vessels, created by the renowned Pillivuyt manufactory and recently awarded the exhibition’s gold medal, was a testament to grandeur and exquisite taste, soon to enchant monarchs and dignitaries from around the world. The pure white elegantly contrasted with the heavy gold monogram, symbolizing both the power of the monarchy and impeccable aesthetics.

With the distant sounds of the orchestra drifting from the palace gardens, she closed her eyes for a moment, imagining these same plates, filled with exquisite culinary masterpieces, passing from hand to hand, becoming silent witnesses to historical decisions and delicate diplomatic negotiations. This porcelain was not merely a dish for food; it was an integral part of the golden age of the Second Empire, forged in gold and clay for eternity.

Introduction This exquisite set of 15 porcelain plates is an outstanding example of ceramic art from the Second Empire and Historicism periods. It embodies the restrained yet exceptionally luxurious aesthetic that characterized the banquet tables of European high society in the 19th century.

Period of Manufacture Second half of the 19th century (circa 1867), France.

Manufacturer and Signature On the base of the plates, there is a red, oval factory stamp “CH. PILLIVUYT & Cie PARIS”, complemented by the proud inscription “EXP. 1867 MEDAILLE D’OR”. This mark attests that the manufacturer’s exceptional craftsmanship was honored with the prestigious gold medal at the 1867 Paris World Exposition (Exposition Universelle).

Design and Decor The plates are crafted from the highest quality snow-white porcelain. Their design features elegant, undulating rims delicately accented with a hand-painted gold line. Each plate is adorned in the center with a beautifully rendered, calligraphic gold monogram, which originally indicated ownership by a specific, affluent family or estate.

Application This set is ideally suited as an aristocratic foundation for celebratory lunches or dinners. With 15 plates, it allows for seating a larger number of guests, bringing classic elegance and historical luxury into the room. They also serve as a wonderful addition to a collection.

Condition Excellent antique condition. The porcelain is free of chips, cracks, or hairlines. Over the decades, there is very slight, natural wear on the gilt rims and monograms, which only adds to the authentic historical charm of the pieces. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.