Vincennes

Delicate and fanciful designs characterise the production of the Vincennes manufactory. The broth basin is an exceptional and rare example of the manufactory’s early wares. Decorated with the Stuart royal arms, birds and a dog, it is likely that it was specially commissioned by a prince of the House of Stuart, probably Charles Edward Stuart (1720–88), the Young Pretender, who spent many years in exile in France. Broth basins were principally used in the bedroom or boudoir rather than the dining room. Broth was often served to the sick, being appreciated for its remedial qualities.

Considered to be one of the most ambitious and successful sculptural groups modelled at Vincennes, the large figure sculpture of a boy dressed in fur-lined leggings and a reclining girl is remarkable both in size and complexity. Its design is attributed to François Boucher and has been likened to his chinoiserie designs for Beauvais tapestries.