A beautiful 19th century French Lunéville opaque faïence or French ironstone footbath , crafted in the Lorraine region and dating to the late 1800s. This elegant vessel is formed of tin-glazed earthenware, known as faïence, and finished in the distinctive milky white glaze often referred to as Opaque de Lunéville. The generous oval basin rests on a molded circular foot and features two gracefully molded side handles with soft, organic shaping. The smooth, luminous glaze has developed a gentle, time-softened surface with fine craquelure and subtle age markings that speak to its authenticity and use. The underside bears the green crowned crest mark reading “Opaque Lunéville,” associated with Keller & Guérin (K&G), the esteemed manufacturer that carried the Lunéville tradition into the 19th century.

Founded in 1730 by Jacques Chambrette and later flourishing under the patronage of Stanislas Leszczyński, the Lunéville factory became one of France’s most respected producers of fine faïence. Their opaque white glaze, achieved through the addition of tin oxide, created a dense, velvety surface prized for both utility and elegance.

Originally intended for personal washing, footbaths like this would have been placed on wooden stands or beneath dressing tables in bedrooms or boudoirs. Today, this piece offers both decorative charm and practical versatility — equally beautiful styled as a cachepot, centerpiece vessel, or sculptural accent in a bath or kitchen. The scale is generous yet manageable, and the understated white glaze allows it to blend seamlessly into both traditional and modern interiors.

Dimensions:

h - 7.75"

w - 17.25" handle to handle

d - 12.25"

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