Théodore Haviland Limoges Porcelain Cake Platter – Ivory Paste & Handcrafted Floral Decor

The Elegance of Limoges Ivory Paste

This magnificent rectangular cake dish attests to the excellence of the Théodore Haviland Limoges manufacture. Unlike traditional white porcelain, this piece is made of Ivory Paste, a high-end material specifically developed to provide a soft, warm cream hue, particularly sought after by tableware collectors.

A Unique Floral Decor Signed by Solange Patry-Bié

The body of the dish is adorned with a delicate central bouquet and scattered floral motifs in pastel shades of pink, salmon, and anthracite grey, enhanced by a flowing golden ribbon. The reverse of the dish features the handwritten signature "Décor de Solange Patry-Bié," guaranteeing the authenticity and preciousness of the decorative work in this series. The clean, geometric lines of its integrated handles perfectly complement the refinement of the service.

History of the Théodore Haviland Manufacture

The Origin of the Haviland Dynasty

The story begins in 1842 when the American David Haviland, fascinated by the quality of Limousin porcelain, settled in Limoges to found his factory and export his creations to the United States. His son, Théodore Haviland, was immersed in this world of excellence from an early age. After managing the family's commercial interests in New York, he returned to France and founded his own company, "Théodore Haviland et Cie," in 1892.

The Period of Innovation and the Introduction of Ivory Paste

Under the impetus of Théodore Haviland, the manufacture adopted cutting-edge technologies (single-span workshops, research on high-temperature firing) and collaborated with the greatest decorative artists of the time.

Upon his death in 1919, his son William Haviland took over the management of the factory. It was during this interwar period and the mid-20th century that the house radically modernized its styles. To renew tableware and stand out from the competition, William Haviland introduced two innovative and prestigious materials: celadon paste and ivory paste.

The Reunification of 1941

The stamp on the back of this piece reflects a key historical period. In 1941, in the midst of World War II, William Haviland acquired the brands, rights, and models of the original parent company (Ch. Haviland), which had suffered from the 1930 crisis. Activities were then entirely centralized at the historic Théodore Haviland site, avenue Émile Labussière in Limoges, marking the official reunion of the two prestigious family branches under a single banner.