
Porcelain double-handled bouillon cup with gold trim by Haviland Limoges
History
Haviland & Co. was established in Limoges, France in 1842 by American entrepreneur David Haviland, becoming one of the most prestigious porcelain manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries. The company specialized in fine dinnerware exported primarily to the United States, featuring elegant designs with gold embellishments that became synonymous with refined dining. Double-handled bouillon or cream soup cups like this one were popular table accessories from the late Victorian era through the mid-20th century, used for serving consommé or cream-based soups at formal meals. Haviland Limoges porcelain remains highly collectible among enthusiasts of fine china, antique dinnerware collectors, and those seeking to complete or expand vintage table settings. The combination of French craftsmanship, delicate porcelain body, and elegant gold decoration appeals to collectors who appreciate the heritage of American-French trade in luxury goods. These pieces are valued for their historical significance as examples of transatlantic commerce and their enduring aesthetic appeal in both traditional and contemporary table settings.
Origin
Limoges, France
Maker
Haviland & Co.
Time period
circa 1920-1950