I am so excited to showcase some great finds I picked up on my recent trip to Paris. I returned to Marché aux Puces St-Ouen de Clignancourt, Paris’s most famous flea market at the northern fringe of the city. It is the largest antique market in the world, receiving between 120,000 to 180,000 visitors each weekend.

I bought this beautiful set of Raynaud Limoges dessert plates, cups, and saucers from antique dealer, Eva Cwajg. We share a passion for old dishes-she has the most beautiful vintage Limoges sets.  Her shop has become a must see for collectors and lovers of refined tables and is located at Marche Vernaison-allee 1; stand 11-93400 Saint Ouen- http://www.eva-antiquites.com/

This Raynaud pattern is called “Conde” which has been described as “veritable incrustation double dorure polie a l’agate” [true inlay gilding, double polished agate, 24k encrusted gold inlay].   I adore the rich ruby border-so elegant!

There are three stamps on this set: “Limoges France”, “Raynaud Limoges”, and “Magasins de L’Union/12 Avenue de L’Opera” which means these probably originally came from a “union shop” of Limoges porcelain in Paris’ shopping district.

About Avenue de l’Opera

Avenue de l’Opera runs from the Louvre to the Palais Garnier, which was Paris’ main opera until it was replaced by the Opéra Bastille in 1989. I found this old photo of the address where this set of Raynaud Limoges came from.

Today it is the location of the capital’s densest concentration of department stores including the well-known Galeries Lafayette grands magasins (department stores).

About Raynaud Limoges

Founded in 1849, Raynaud is the only remaining manufactory of the 11 original Limoges houses. A family story: Three generations who, since the 19th century, have perpetuated with great talent the limoges porcelain tradition. Under Napoleon III, it became famous for its technically complex works. This industrial “tour de force” mainly resides in achieving the harmony of colors resulting from years of research, opening the way to infinite combinations of fade-resistant decorations still used by porcelain makers.

From President Harrison’s 1892 plates to Lady Diana’s or Dustin Hoffman’s, Raynaud can boast having had, from the start, many presidents, and celebrities among its customers, having designed creations for prestigious venues and having worked with a great number of artists.

Here’s a picture of Eva’s shop in Le Marche Vernaison:

Au Revoir, Le Marche aux Puces…until next time!