Adrian Sassoon

Apollo, July, 2003 by Susannah Woolmer

In response to the continued popularity of turquoise-blue Vincennes and Sevres porcelain, Adrian Sassoon has recently published a new catalogue devoted to the highly sought-after bleu celeste pieces from these prestigious factories. Ranging in date from 1753--the first year this regal colour was commercially produced--to 1783, the objects illustrated all possess the dense richness associated with this particular hue.

Needless to say, all the porcelain is exquisitely crafted and extremely elegant, and it is interesting to note the tonal variations of the blue celeste apparent in some of the earlier works. Highlights include a remarkable basket tray from the Vincennes dinner service produced in c. 1753 for Louis XV, a beautiful pair of soft-paste Vincennes caisses carrees or 'orange tubs', and several pieces of Sevres porcelain originating from the Hillingdon Collection.