Limoges G. Kiefer and Cie Tea Cup and Saucer - French Porcelain Cobalt Blue and Gold - Empire Style - 20th Century Antique

Limoges porcelain tea cup and saucer duo, produced by commission for the prestigious luxury house G. Kiefer & Cie in Basel, Switzerland. This set exemplifies European Belle Époque sophistication, uniting French technical mastery with early 20th-century Swiss market quality standards.

Object History:
The backstamp indicates Limoges (France) production distributed by G. Kiefer & Cie, a renowned luxury goods retailer in Basel active at the turn of the century. The decoration follows Empire style canons, popular in high-end French porcelain, characterized by the use of intense color bands and framed floral motifs.

Technical Details:
- Period: Circa 1900-1915.
- Technique: Translucent white porcelain with a cobalt blue band (Bleu de Four) and hand-painted rose decoration in gold-bordered medallions.
- Dimensions: Cup height: 5.5 cm (2.17 inches). Saucer diameter: 12 cm (4.72 inches).
- Weight: 100 g (0.22 lbs).
- Material: Limoges porcelain with high-karat gilding.
- Condition: Exceptional preservation. The porcelain shows no cracks, hairlines, or restorations. The gilding maintains remarkable brightness with minimal wear on the edges, consistent with its over 100-year age.

Appraisal:
This set is a piece of interest for collectors of Limoges porcelain with specific export marks and for those interested in historical Edwardian era tableware.