Bowl, 1752–1753
Vincennes Factory (French, 1738–1756)
Vincennes, France
Soft-paste porcelain
Foundation for the Arts Collection, anonymous gift by exchange, 1991.39.FA

This large Vincennes bowl (jatte) represents one of the finest early pieces from the factory. The decagonal shape is unusual and is reminiscent of Japanese Kakiemon porcelain bowls imported into Europe in the late 17th century. The decoration on this example, however, makes it truly outstanding. The blue and gilt scale decoration derived from Chinese ceramics is unrecorded on any other piece of Vincennes porcelain. Completing the decorative scene are birds and flowers painted in polychrome enamels.

Adding to the significance of this example is its provenance. The original owner of this bowl was the Marchault d’Arnouville who, in addition to being Louis XV’s Garde des Sceaux, was also one of the most influential early shareholders of the Vincennes factory. The bowl descended through his family until through marriage it came into the collection of Comte Xavier de Chavagnac, one of the most famous of all French porcelain scholars.