Antique Elite Works Limoges 16" Hostess Platter - Gilded Scrolls & Celadon Dot Border
Antique Elite Works Limoges 16" Hostess Platter - Gilded Scrolls & Celadon Dot Border
Antique Elite Works Limoges 16" Hostess Platter - Gilded Scrolls & Celadon Dot Border
Make a grand statement at your next formal gathering with this magnificent 16-inch "Turkey" or "Hostess" serving platter. Crafted by the renowned Elite Works (Bawo & Dotter) in Limoges, France, during the Belle Époque era (circa 1900–1914), this substantial piece represents the pinnacle of Gilded Age dining. The luminous white hard-paste porcelain features a classic scalloped rim, a delicate pale green dotted border, and intricate, hand-applied gold floral scrollwork. Its impressive scale makes it the ideal "hero piece" for serving main holiday courses or as a foundational element in a curated French Country or Grandmillennial wall display.
Dimensions:
Width: 16 inches
Depth: 11.5 inches
Height: 1.75 inches
Condition:
Good Antique Condition. This authentic century-old platter shows character consistent with its long history of holiday use. The central well displays moderate utensil scuffing and minor surface "pitting" spots from the original kiln firing. There is visible, honest rubbing to the gold gilding on the scrollwork and scalloped edge, creating a beautiful aged patina. Structurally sound with no chips, cracks, or repairs.
Collector’s Note: The Elite Works Dual-Mark System
This platter features the prestigious Elite Works green underglaze mark ('ELITE / L / FRANCE'), a definitive factory signature used by Bawo & Dotter in Limoges, France, between 1896 and 1920. Unlike many Limoges pieces that were 'blanks' decorated by third-party studios, this green stamp proves the porcelain body itself was manufactured entirely in-house at the Elite facility. When paired with the red 'St. Martial' decoration shield, it confirms this piece was both made and hand-decorated within the factory walls during the sought-after 1900–1914 'Golden Age.' Such dual-marked examples are highly prized for their documented provenance and superior craftsmanship. Collectors prize these dual-marked pieces as they represent the peak of the firm's technical and artistic production before it was interrupted by the onset of World War I. This is a true museum-quality example of turn-of-the-century European hard-paste porcelain.
A rare find in this impressive 16-inch size, this Elite Works platter is a functional heirloom that bridges the gap between historical craftsmanship and modern hosting.
