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royal limoges historic ceramic

Historical Litron Bernardaud cups

The Historical Litron Bernardaud Cups Collection boasts 32 stunning tea sets, each featuring a cup and saucer. These sets are inspired by iconic historical designs crafted by Bernardaud’s Ancienne Manufacture Royale in Limoges during the 18th and 19th centuries.

These porcelain pieces showcase traditional French artistic styles, with their distinctive ornamental patterns and subtle details. Over time, these cups were meticulously crafted by skilled artisans and artists, some of whom catered to esteemed royal figures such as Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, and the Russian Empress Catherine II.

Ancienne Manufacture Royale: Historical Litron Bernardaud Cups

Bernardaud acquired Ancienne Manufacture Royale (AMR) in 1986, marking a significant departure from tradition.

Unlike its historical roots, where it was once under the patronage of Louis XVI and later integrated with the Sevres Manufacture, today’s AMR operates independently, preferring innovation over convention.

Rather than strictly preserving traditional skills, AMR encourages experimentation and embraces modern techniques, fostering a dynamic environment where creativity thrives.

Instead of solely reproducing masterpieces from past centuries, AMR collaborates with contemporary artists to create new, original works that challenge conventions and push boundaries.

While honoring French porcelain heritage, AMR also looks forward, forging its path in the world of art and design.

By reimagining history in a fresh and unconventional way, AMR invites us to see the past through a contemporary lens, sparking dialogue and exploration in the present.

ancienne manufacture royale

Litron Cup and Its Origin

The square-shaped litron cup is known as the “litre cup” due to its Latin origin. The saucer accompanying this cup stands out with its flat edges and shallow design.

Originally introduced in 1752 at the Vincennes factory, the litron cup emerged during a time when people were just starting to fancy hot chocolate, tea, and coffee.

While teacups underwent changes over time to look different from coffee cups, the litron cup remained closely linked with coffee consumption.

bernardaud historical cup with birds

Historical Bernardaud Cups as a fusion of Style

The litron cup stands out as an individual piece, distinct from the rest of the dinner set: it’s a one-of-a-kind treasure decorated with a variety of original patterns on a timeless form.

As a result, the litron cup embodies a blend of styles spanning various eras, and this distinctive characteristic enhances the appeal of historical cups and saucers found in the Ancienne Manufacture Royale collection for collectors.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Aux Perroquets – To the Parrots (1777 )

Armand Senior known for his artistic representation of stationary objects, chose to depict birds on this amazing cup while they were in motion, freely soaring through the open skies.

He infused them with natural qualities. This approach aligns with the methods of his contemporaries, who painted directly from observing nature rather than relying on printed references.

The artwork, resembling a rough sketch on parchment, is characteristic of the artisans of Sèvres porcelain during an era when the pursuit of realism was paramount.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Paysages a la barque – Landscapes by Boat (1778)

Pierre-Joseph Rosset, an artist renowned for his work at the Sèvres workshops, diverges from contemporary trends with this cup, opting instead for a style reminiscent of the rustic charm found far from the opulence of Versailles.

Transitioning from floral to landscape artistry, Rosset spent four decades honing his craft within the walls of Sèvres.

The cup’s base boasts a distinctive pattern resembling the eye of a peacock, a departure from the norms of its time, imbuing it with an unmistakable allure.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Aux Aigrettes – To the Egrets (1792)

Étienne Evans, a renowned artist celebrated for his unparalleled skill in capturing the beauty of insects and birds, crafted the natural design on this beautiful litron Bernardaud cup.

He dedicated over fifty years of his life to honing his craft at the Sèvres workshops.

The egret’s depiction, almost scientific in its precision, leaves no room for doubt that the artist’s profound appreciation for nature reigns supreme.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Paysages aux oiseaux – Landscapes with Birds (1786)

In the 18th century, there was a resurgence of interest in birds as a theme. While Buffon’s “Natural History of Birds” was dominating the scene with its realistic portrayal, there emerged a trend towards more imaginative representations.

Denis Leve, an acclaimed artist known for his work at the Sèvres workshops, was often sought after by ornithologists for collaboration.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Nature morte aux peches – Still Life with Peaches (1795)

Étienne-Henri Le Guay, who was active in the workshops from 1793 to 1800, crafted miniature natur mortes.

He was known for his expertise in floral arrangements and mastery of goldwork, presenting his designs akin to the style of an oil painting.

This artistic approach was cultivated by the Sèvres workshops throughout numerous years.

The cup’s captivating allure lies in its remarkable contrast with the opulent medallion and lavish background.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Aux Dauphins – To the Dolphins (1781)

The magnificent dolphin adorns the cup, marking the celebration of the French Prince’s birthday.

This cup holds the memory of the unfortunate fate of the first child of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who passed away at the tender age of eight.

Crafted with utmost care and dedication, the artisans at the Sevres workshops spared no expense in creating a design fit for royalty.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Paysage a l’or – Landscape in Gold (1800)

In the early 19th century, Parisian decorators were known for their bold experimentation with vibrant hues against a backdrop of rich matte reds.

Employing a technique dubbed à l’effet, they eschewed traditional gold embellishments in favor of intricate designs created through the careful application of finely textured materials.

Following the firing process, skilled artisans meticulously polished minute dots of matte gold, crafting elaborate motifs, intricate landscapes, and an array of ornate decorations.

To heighten the visual impact, artists at the Pouyat workshops deftly employed gold in varying shades, resulting in a mesmerizing interplay of color and texture.

Historical Litron Bernardaud Cup Cantharide – Cantharide (1789)

Craftsmen from Sèvres were moved to design this cup by the biannual purification ceremony in Rome.

The cup’s design mainly features floral patterns and scents, alongside a hint of Spanish fly essence, known for its soporific effects, signifying a connection with the Bacchus cult.

Its color scheme mirrors the dull, earthy tones of the Spanish fly’s exoskeleton – a beetle that, when desiccated, turns into a fine powder.

Any question about Historical Litron Bernardaud cups?

If you have any special requests or require further information about any of Historical Litron Bernardaud cups, Scopelliti 1887 staff will be pleased to assist and advise you.

Call us or send WhatsApp on +39 391 345 6441 or send an email at shop@scopelliti1887.com  and let us know what we can help you with.

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