Pair of antique French porcelain cachepots by Rihouet

Pair of antique French porcelain cachepots by Rihouet
French, Mid-19th Century
Height 20cm, diameter 18cm
 
Crafted in the mid-19th century by Rihouet, a renowned French porcelain manufacturer, the design of this pair of cachepots combines Neoclassical and Greek style motifs. In 1818, the firm’s founder, Louis Marie François Rihouet established himself in the French capital as a porcelain decorator. From then until his retirement in 1853, Rihouet crafted superb porcelain pieces such as these cachepots in Mayfair Gallery’s collection.
 
The body of each cachepot is crafted from vibrant and unusual turquoise ground porcelain. While the backs of the pieces are left plain, the fronts are resplendent with painted floral decorations. The central white porcelain cartouche is decorated with a bouquet including peonies and carnations. Scrolling gilt border frames the composition while further gilt ornamentation flanks it on both sides. Protruding from the sides of the cachepots are two gilt handles shaped like lion heads.
 
Three prominent gilt bands, two of them fluted, adorn the upper and lower parts of the vases. In between the gilt bands are black Greek key patterns visible all around the cachepots. The lower part of the pieces is detachable, and the base of the cachepots features a hole. This allows for the easy drainage of water in the potted flowers.
 
Each cachepot features a hand-painted ‘Rihouet / Rue de la Paix / No 7’ mark on the underside.
 
Of a vibrant design, this pair of antique cachepots is a charming addition to indoor and outdoor spaces.
 
Artist/Maker: Rihouet