French Early 20Th Century Terre De Fer Brown Glazed Serving Bowl

French Early 20th Century Terre de Fer Brown Glazed Serving Bowl or Flour Bowl with Lid

French Early 20th Century brown glazed Terre de Fer serving bowl with lid
A stylish piece infused with Provençal charm
Perfect for functional and decorative use
Crafted from Terre de Fer, France’s counterpart to English Ironstone
Two simple handles for practical grip and a domed lid with vent hole
Elegant pedestal shape, adding a touch of l’art de vivre
Dimensions: H: 20 cm (7.9") | W: 25 cm (9.8") | D: 25 cm (9.8")
Excellent antique condition, consistent with age and use
UK Mainland delivery included (excluding Trade Purchases)
A Timeless Piece of French Tableware

Step into the past with this charming early 20th-century French serving bowl, a true staple of traditional dining. Crafted from Terre de Fer, France’s counterpart to English Ironstone, this piece embodies the perfect balance of durability and elegance.

Designed to retain warmth in soups, stews, and rustic dishes, it reflects the enduring traditions of French home life, where meals are more than sustenance - they are celebrations of l’art de vivre. Imagine it gracing a French Provençal table, surrounded by hand-thrown ceramics, vintage glassware, and a linen-draped setting - an understated yet essential element in the art of French entertaining.

Craftsmanship & History

This stylish yet practical serving bowl is made from Terre de Fer, a ceramic innovation developed in France during the late 18th century to provide a more accessible yet refined alternative to porcelain. By mixing feldspar and kaolin into clay, potters achieved a stronger, smoother material, resulting in tableware that was both functional and decorative.

Though lacking a maker’s mark, bowls of this nature are instantly recognizable, following the lineage of soupières from renowned establishments such as the Sarreguemines Factory in Digoin, a historic ceramics house that has been producing fine pieces since 1784.

Terre de Fer’s distinctive glazed finish - rich, glossy, and beautifully aged - allowed these serving bowls to complement finer tableware or stand alone in rustic kitchens. Their simple pedestal form, like this one, lends a quiet sophistication, reminding us that even the most practical objects can carry an air of refinement.

Dimensions, Condition & Display Versatility

Dimensions: H: 20 cm (7.9") | W: 25 cm (9.8") | D: 25 cm (9.8")
Condition:
Well-preserved glaze, retaining its rich colour
Authentic patina and minor age-related wear, enhancing its charm
Refer to images for a closer look at its detailed condition
Display & Functionality:
Perfect for serving rustic dishes or adding Provençal elegance to a tabletop
Frequently stacked with other tureens for decorative appeal
Highly collectible among enthusiasts of antique French ceramics