Fine Late 19th Century Gien ‘Dionysos’ Pattern Dinner Service - 37 Pieces

A refined 37-piece dinner and serving service by Gien in the “Dionysos” pattern, crafted in glazed earthenware with an ivory ground accented in warm ochre and pale blue. The shaped forms include scalloped dinner (19) and dessert (10) plates, elongated oval and fish platters, a square vegetable dish with everted corners, small oblong trays, a sauce boat on fixed stand, and a footed tazza. The frieze entwines grapevine scrolls and acanthus arabesques with vignettes of putti pressing grapes, fantastical creatures, and classical urns, an exuberant Bacchic theme enriched by French Renaissance-inspired ornament. A narrow blue ribbon border frames the rims, balancing the lively design.

Reflecting 19th-century historicism, the pattern marries Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival motifs, while its “Dionysos” name points to the god of wine and festivity, a fitting vocabulary for tableware. Condition is very good overall, with light wear: scattered glaze crazing, minor discoloration, and edge rubbing, all enhancing its historic charm. The Gien manufactory was founded in 1821 in the Loire Valley by the English industrialist Thomas Hall, who introduced modern ceramic techniques to France. Celebrated for its mastery of precise transfer printing enhanced with hand-applied touches, Gien achieved a distinctive balance of crisp ornament and luminous glaze that quickly earned acclaim at national and international salons. Its prizewinning production became a hallmark of refinement in Belle Époque dining rooms, embodying both technical innovation and artistic elegance. Today, Gien continues to uphold this legacy, its name synonymous with French ceramic excellence.

This service lends graceful formality to a dining table, pairing beautifully with silver and cut glass for entertaining. Display the platters and tazza on a sideboard or open kitchen shelves to introduce soft color and classical detail, while the shaped dishes bring character to everyday service.