A twin handled bowl, cover and stand known as an écuelle
Referred to as an écuelle, a French term for a small low covered bowl, this form is associated with the famous Sèvres factory. In the mid-18th century, they were used for serving soups, and similar restorative foods at breakfast, through the long hours of the toilette (getting dressed) or to those bedridden. They were also used during ‘confinement’, just before and after giving birth. The bowl could be lifted by its twin handles and drunk from directly.
They were not part of a dinner service and were used mostly by women, so écuelle are invariably decorated with feminine motifs such as flowers, fruits and cupids. According to a paper label on the base of the bowl, Merton paid 8 guineas, for this écuelle. The excellent condition, with no rubbing of the gilding or other signs of wear, made this piece a desirable addition to any collector’s cabinet.
Although not so well known as other Staffordshire factories, Davenport made some exceptionally beautiful pieces of bone china. The high quality of the wares attracted the attention of the Prince of Wales, later George IV, who visited the factory in 1806, placed a large order and declared they were equal in execution to ‘old Seve’ (Sèvres porcelain).
Such high praise is borne out by the exceptionally fine flower painting on this covered bowl and matching stand. It can be dated to the Regency period (c.1800-1820), when the factory reached a peak in terms of quality and style.
