Antique Charles Martin Limoges Porcelain Crescent Dishes Set, 1920

An elegant set of three antique French porcelain dishes by Charles Martin of Limoges, each modeled in a graceful curved form traditionally described as crescent or cashew-shaped. Delicately hand-painted with soft floral decoration and finished with fine gilt edging, the three dishes combine the refinement of Limoges porcelain with the intimate scale of specialized tableware.

Charles Martin was associated with Limoges porcelain production from the late nineteenth into the early twentieth century. The CM Déposé mark is generally connected with the Charles Martin factory and appears on porcelain dating from the early decades of the twentieth century, making these pieces more appropriately described as antique rather than vintage. The Martin operation became known for fine white porcelain intended for export and for richly decorated table and serving wares.

Their unusual curved form was designed for small accompaniments at a formally appointed table—most likely nuts, bonbons, condiments, or individual delicacies. These highly specific serving pieces belonged to a period when the table included a remarkable variety of small dishes, each with its own function. Today, that scale and specificity make them particularly appealing to collectors of Limoges porcelain and historic table appointments.

Displayed together, the three dishes create a delicate sculptural composition. They may also be used individually for nuts, olives, sweets, salt, jewelry, or small decorative objects. Their softly shaped silhouettes, hand-painted ornament, and subtle gilding make them especially beautiful on a layered table, vanity, or open cabinet.

Marked CM Déposé France on the underside.

Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. Minor variations in the hand-painted decoration, light wear to the gilt, glaze irregularities, and age-related surface marks may be present. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Details

• 1stDibs reference: LU10969251003292
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Date: 1920
• Origin: France
• Materials: Porcelain
• Techniques: Glazed
• Style: Art Nouveau
• Dimensions: H 1 × W 4.25 × D 6.25 IN
• Condition: GOOD