Noëlle Beatty -- Old Quimper Pottery Photos 3



	In the late 1800s the HB factory produced a group of pieces inspired by the early work of potters in Rouen, Nevers, and Moustiers. This highly unusual and rare double salt is clearly in the Rouen tradition. It bears the first mark of HB, denoted by the long curved tail on the B, which was used from c.1860-1883. The Rouen decor around the outside of the salt, which is 5½" long and 2½" wide at the center, repeats itself. But painters were allowed to use their imagination, and the person who decorated this salt inserted a flower medallion in the middle of each side and also created two similar, but not identical, flowers doomed to be hidden under servings of salt. SOLD		The salt is in excellent condition. The chain link border at the base has some some faded red from the original firing. The few glaze pops are also original. The mold with its fluid curves makes this wonderful old piece a work of art in itself.




		Quelle chance! The French dealer who sold me the Rouen-style salt turned out to have another equally appealing double salt that came from the same house. This one has a similar pattern on the sides, but the coloration reflects the more unusual pale blues and yellows of 19th century Nevers. An open flower petal rests on the bottom of each well. This salt is also in its original condition, with various minor glaze pops on the outside rim. It, too, has the first period HB mark. Photos of first-mark HB double salts have not turned up as yet in any of the auction catalogues or books on Quimper in my library. I have jealously guarded the first one I saw and purchased in London 25 years ago. SOLD



	This charming bell-lady, with her purse and umbrella, is a favorite Henriot piece of many collectors. This version is in wonderful condition. The lady is smoothly glazed, her features are beguiling, and the skin on her nose is unblemished, which is rare indeed.		She is, however, missing her original clapper. As shown above, a nice piece of oval unglazed clay hanging from a rustic piece of wire serves as an appropriate replacement, and it does "ring." The bell is 4½" high and is boldly signed Henriot Quimper on the inside. It makes a charming display piece. SOLD