French Porcelain Shaving Dish, “Italien à Moustiers”,
Early 20th Century A beautifully hand-painted French porcelain shaving dish or barber’s bowl in the Italianate Moustiers style, dating to the early 20th century. The piece features a heraldic coat of arms flanked by two winged horses and surmounted by a crown, all rendered in soft blue, gold, and grey tones. The decorative border is enriched with scrolling foliate designs in ochre, green, and grey on an ivory-white glaze.
The crescent-shaped cut-out in the rim is a classic feature of traditional shaving bowls, designed to fit comfortably against the jawline or neck while shaving. These were typically used to hold warm water or shaving soap and are now highly collectible for their craftsmanship and historical charm. The back bears the hand-painted inscription “Italien à Moustiers”, referring to the Italian-inspired faïence style associated with Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a renowned French pottery town active since the 17th century. Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no cracks or repairs; very minor wear consistent with age. Origin: France Date: Circa 1920–1940 An elegant and rare piece for collectors of shaving antiques, French faïence, or decorative ceramics with heraldic and mythological themes. Ready to hang.
