Butter Dish From La Prevallais (ile Et Vilaine) Paris Porcelain - Nast Factory - Early 19th Century

RARE BUTTER DISH OF LA PREVALLAIS in PARIS porcelain - Manufacture de NAST - Rue POPINCOURT The origin of these butter dishes dates back to the end of the 15th century and, very often in the inventories carried out in Brittany in the 16th and 17th centuries, there is mention of these types of conservative butter dishes. Taking the shape of a bucket (truncated cone), this butter dish is decorated with a relief imitation of the boards of a barrel, two circular bands (at the top and bottom) simulate the metal hoops, reinforcing the illusion of a real wooden bucket. It is topped with two small ears for attaching a twisted handle in gilded brass. The set is completed by a matching flat and round lid. White background, decorated with gold threads. These lines highlight the reliefs and the 2 hoops highlighting the imitation of the boards that make up the body of the bucket. The edges are also enhanced with gold lines. Piece specially designed to exclusively contain butter from the Beurrerie de la Prévalaye (of which several spellings are attested). This butter factory was located in Brittany, a few kilometers from Rennes, at the Château de la Prévalaye. For nearly three centuries, Prévalaye butter was an emblematic specialty of Rennes, renowned for its exceptional quality. This butter was found on the tables of the greatest houses and even at the royal court. It is said that a dairywoman from the Rennes region was installed with her cows in the hamlets of Trianon, at the exclusive service of the court. Madame de Sévigné, a famous letter writer, was a fervent consumer and praised it in her letters. In 1812, Grimod de la Reynière, a famous gastronome, wrote in his Almanach des Gourmands: "Today, we hardly see anything but Prévalaye butter in baskets on opulent tables, and in small pots on others. This canton of Brittany is in possession of providing us with the best known butter for appetizers. It is neither salted nor semi-salted, but has a subtly less sweet flavor than fresh butter, ideal for eating on toast, especially with rye bread." FERME DE LA PREVALAYE (near Rennes) He also added a clarification: "All year round, you can find excellent Prévalaye butter at Mr. Plailly's, grocer, rue Montorgueil, No. 71 in Paris, both in baskets and in small pots, at very moderate prices. Shipments arrive every Tuesday. » The reputation of Prévalaye butter seems to have extended to all the productions of the Rennes basin. In 1814, a police order stated: "The mayor of Rennes has been informed that several inhabitants of the city are shipping large quantities of butter throughout France. To obtain it more easily and of better quality, they prevent the inhabitants of the countryside from bringing their butter to market." Thus, Prévalaye butter remains a testimony to Breton culinary heritage and the economic importance of dairy production in the Rennes region. Dimension(s): Height (without handle) 9.3 cm - Length 12.6 cm, Brand(s): Painted with a gold brush "Nast", Condition: PERFECT CONDITION, Period: EARLY 19th century Observation(s): VERY RARE SHAPE - Minimal wear from use. Porcelain butter dishes from the 18th and early 19th centuries were inspired by wooden barrels, tubs or buckets, traditionally used to store butter. This shape pays homage to rural practices while adapting these objects to the elegant tables of the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. It evokes a contrast between the rusticity of traditions and the refinement of materials such as porcelain and gilding. These shapes, both aesthetic and practical, were ideal for handling butter with elegance. In addition, the neoclassical and picturesque style of the time valued rural references, symbolizing the harmony between nature and culture. PAYMENT and TRANSPORT PAYMENTS ACCEPTED via PAYPAL / TRANSFER / CB online or by CHECK. PACKAGES WILL BE POSTED WITHIN 4 DAYS. GROUPED SHIPPING POSSIBLE IN CASE OF PURCHASE OF MULTIPLE ITEMS.