Cleveland Museum of Art

Saucer (Soucoupe)

Vincennes Porcelain Factory

Date: 1753–54
Medium: Soft-paste porcelain with enamel and gilt decoration
Culture: France, Vincennes
Department: Decorative Art and Design
Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art

The rich turquoise ground of this plate was known as bleu céleste (celestial blue) and introduced at the Vincennes factory in 1753. The deep color was achieved by repeated applications of the powdered pigment and multiple firings, which made it difficult for factories to achieve a smooth, even-toned color. Objects decorated with this color through this complicated process were among the most expensive items produced. This color was famously used on a 1,749-piece dinner service made for the French king Louis XV in 1753.

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