These curious and interesting facts were brought to light by the researches of a French _savant_, M. B. Fillon, about 1862.
[Illustration: FIG. 78.--_Henri-Deux Faience Vase._]
It appears that this ware was not made for sale, and that it was not sold, but was made for presents, and therefore was produced only in small quantities. The clay itself is what the French term _terre de pipe_, and what we know as pipe-clay--a white, delicate, and very light clay. The inlaying, or the incised lines which are filled with colored clays, are most delicately cut, and so much resemble work done by book-binders that some persons have suggested that they were made with the tools used in the bookbinder's trade. At any rate, one should give these pieces a close look, for any thoroughly good piece of work is a source of supreme satisfaction. Admirable copies have been made of some pieces of this work by an artist named Toft, which were exhibited at Philadelphia in 1876 by Minton, of England.
[Illustration: FIG. 79.--_Henri-Deux Salt-cellar._]
We give, in Figs. 78 and 79, two examples, more to exhibit something of the forms and conceits indulged in than to show the delicacy and precision of the work, which are perfect. Fig. 78 is termed a _biberon_; it is but seven inches high. "The upper part is white, the ornaments yellow; and the lower part black, with white ornaments. On the shield underneath the spout are the three crescents interlaced." Fig. 79 is a salt-cellar.
After the decease of Madame Hélène de Hangest, who was the widow of Arthur Gouffier, a gentleman of rank, the manufacture of this peculiar ware was continued at the Château d'Oiron by her son, Claude Gouffier; but the production was still limited, and it is doubtful if any pieces were ever sold. It is therefore of great rarity and of corresponding money-value, only fifty-three specimens of it being known to exist.
The interest in these pieces is such now that many persons may like to know where they are and what they are thought to be worth. I transcribe from Chaffers as follows:
---------------------+----------------------------+==> | | DESCRIPTION. | Owner. | | | ---------------------+----------------------------+==> 1. Large ewer | H. Magniac | 2. " " | Sir Anthony de Rothschild | 3. " " | " " | 4. Candlestick | " " | 5. Hanap | " " | 6. Tazza | " " | 7. Cover of a cup | " " | 8. Bouquetière | " " | 9. Candlestick | Andrew Fontaine | 10. Biberon | " " | 11. Salt-cellar | " " | 12. Biberon | Baron Lionel de Rothschild | 13. Salt-cellar | " " | 14. Tazza | Duke of Hamilton | 15. Salt-cellar | " " | 16. " " | George Field, Esq. | 17. Part of ewer | H. T. Hope | 18. Small ewer | " " | 19. " " | M. T. Smith | 20. Biberon | J. Malcolm | 21. Salt-cellar | South Kensington Museum | 22. Tazza and cover | " " | 23. Tazza | " " | 24. Candlestick | " " | 25. Salver | " " | 26. Salt-cellar | " " | ---------------------+----------------------------+==>