Preliminary identification

T&V Limoges Hand-Painted Turquoise Pitcher with Gold Rabbit Band, c. 1892–1907

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This exquisite porcelain pitcher features a rare 'robin's egg' turquoise glaze and a wide, encrusted gold band depicting stylized rabbits in a repeating frieze. It represents the height of the American China Painting movement, where fine French porcelain 'blanks' were hand-decorated by skilled artists.

Story

In the late 1800s, a 'china painting craze' swept through American high society, turning thousands of women into skilled porcelain artists. This piece began as a plain white blank in Limoges, France, before traveling across the Atlantic to be hand-decorated with these whimsical, golden hares.

Maker / Origin

Tressemann & Vogt (T&V) were masters of 'whiteware,' producing the finest translucent porcelain specifically for export to the United States. Their factory in the Montjovis district of Limoges was a primary supplier for both professional decorating studios and the talented independent artists of the era.

Condition & Value

The gold appears remarkably intact with minimal wear to the high points of the handle. The turquoise glaze shows good depth and no visible crazing, which is a hallmark of high-quality Limoges hard-paste porcelain. Excellent condition like this commands a premium.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.