An antique French terre de fer oval ravier or small serving dish, manufactured by Hippolyte Boulenger & Cie (H.B. & C°), Choisy-le-Roi. The oval piece is decorated in a crisp underglaze blue transfer print featuring a trailing rose and foliage garland along the cavetto, bordered by an intricate geometric scrolling lace rim pattern.

Historical & Style Details

• Maker: Hippolyte Boulenger & Cie (H.B. & C°, Choisy-le-Roi)
• Period: Victorian
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Transfer-printed fine earthenware (terre de fer)
• Markings: Stamped in underglaze blue on reverse "FRANCE / H.B. & C° / TERRE DE FER / PARIS"
• Decorative Details: Blue botanical rose vine garland with an outer scrolling loop border
• Condition: Discoloration and staining to the central well; fine glaze crazing throughout underside

History

Terre de fer ("iron earth") was a dense, highly durable form of French fine earthenware produced from the late 19th century through the early 20th century to compete with imported English ironstone. The Choisy-le-Roi pottery, operating under Hippolyte Boulenger & Cie, was one of France's foremost ceramic factories, renowned for producing exquisite transferware tableware decorated with classic French revival and Art Nouveau botanical patterns.