Antique Faience Bathroom Set – Jug and Bowl with Exotic Bird Motifs (4472)

Dimensions: Basin width — 38.5 cm Basin height — 13.5 cm Pitcher height — 33.5 cm

Antique royal faience bathroom set with bird paintings

Period of manufacture This bathroom ensemble was made in the late 19th century, approximately circa 1880–1898. It is an outstanding and complete testament to the Historicism period, when such sets served as elements of daily hygiene and simultaneously prestige in the homes of European aristocracy before the era of central plumbing.

Manufacturer and hallmark A clearly legible, historical Nimy manufactory stamp is preserved on the base of the pitcher: Anc. Manuf_re Impériale & Royale / Mouzin Lecat & C_ie / Nimy. This Belgian royal factory was famous for its faience masters, whose works were distinguished by high material durability and exquisite artistic decoration, oriented towards the demands of high society.

Material and design The set is made of dense, heavy, and high-quality faience. Both the body of the pitcher and the interior of the large basin are coated with a soft, matte sky-blue hue. The main accent is the expressive and magnificent hand-applied exotic bird (heron or stork) and floral motif, complemented by a scene of flying songbirds on the other side of the vessels. The asymmetrical top of the pitcher and the elegant, sculptural handle with volutes are gently gilded, emphasizing the aristocratic origin of the set.

Application and condition Such fully preserved pairs (paire/ensemble) are a great rarity today. It is an ideal element for furnishing a historical-style bathroom, bedroom, or a country manor boudoir, as well as an excellent collector’s item. The set is in excellent antique condition without cracks or chips. The glaze inside shows a natural, age-appropriate craquelure network and minimal signs of wear, confirming the authentic nature of the item.

Belle Époque snapshot: Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) slowly awoke in the manor room, where the early and cool morning freshness seeped through the thin curtains. On the massive marble table in the boudoir corner, freshly brought water awaited her, slowly steaming above the base of a heavy, light blue faience vessel. She reached out her hands and let her fingers grasp the smooth body of the pitcher, feeling the substantial weight and coolness of the porcelain material before the warm stream filled the basin. Against the bluish background, two heron wing shapes stood motionless, appearing like living shadows by a distant river in the morning mist. This simple daily ritual brought cozy satisfaction and peace before the palace doors opened to the new day.