Pair of Mid-Century French HB Quimper Hand-Painted Faience Vases

$875

About

Distinguished by their unusual architectural form and colorful floral decoration, this pair of vintage French faience vases reflects the traditional ceramic craftsmanship of Brittany. Crafted in Quimper, France, circa 1960, each vase stands on a circular pedestal base and features an elongated baluster-shaped body surmounted by a tall, narrow neck flanked by two distinctive angular handles.

The vessels are entirely hand-painted in the traditional Rouen-inspired palette of cobalt blue, yellow, orange, green, and soft red against a creamy white background. Elaborate scrolling foliage, stylized floral bouquets, and delicate garlands embellish the bodies, while decorative geometric borders accent the bases and upper sections. The tall handles and necks are further enriched with alternating blue and yellow bands and finely painted floral motifs.

Designed as pendants, the two vases display matching proportions and complementary decoration, making them particularly attractive when displayed together on a mantel, console, or buffet.

Both pieces bear the HB Quimper monogram and additional numerical markings on the underside, identifying their association with the historic Breton pottery manufacturer.

Quimper faience has been produced in Brittany since the late 17th century. The HB pottery traces its origins to Jean-Baptiste Bousquet, whose workshop was established in 1690. Renowned for its hand-painted decoration, Quimper ceramics incorporate traditional Breton subjects, floral motifs, and designs inspired by French regional pottery.

The pair is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, retaining vibrant colors and a lustrous glazed finish.

Dimensions: 5″ Diameter x 16.5″ H each.

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