China Dish Appraisal

Royal Limoges Porcelain Dish

This item is likely a small porcelain catch-all dish or perhaps a component of a larger serving set, evidenced by its elongated, somewhat oval shape with slightly octagonal or faceted sides. The material is white glazed porcelain, a characteristic of Limoges ware. The visible underside reveals a gold-colored maker's mark featuring a crown emblem above the text "Royal Limoges," then "Decoré," and finally "à la main." This indicates that the piece is from the esteemed Royal Limoges porcelain manufactory and that it was decorated by hand. The crown suggests a regal or high-quality designation, and 'Decoré à la main' (decorated by hand) implies a higher degree of craftsmanship and uniqueness compared to mass-produced items. The overall visible construction suggests a molded form, expertly glazed for a smooth, glossy finish. "Thun hall mare" in the context may refer to a style or pattern but is not explicitly visible on the item itself. The base shows signs of use and age, with dark scuffs and grime, particularly around the edges and within the recessed oval area of the base. This wear suggests it has been used or stored for some time, accumulating dirt rather than indicating significant damage like chips or cracks. The precise age is not determinable without further research into the specific Royal Limoges backstamp, but generally, such designs and hand-decoration techniques are characteristic of late 19th to mid-20th-century European porcelain production. The quality of the porcelain and the precision of the printed mark suggest good craftsmanship.