3 antique egg cups on a ceramic tray – Villeroy Boch

Charming vintage egg cup service consisting of a rectangular tray with handles and three matching egg cups, made of celadon glazed ceramic enhanced with a golden rim on the edges. The egg cups, with white ringed bases, feature an ivory interior contrasting with the green glaze on the outside. The underside of the tray bears the green stamp of the manufacturer: "Villeroy & Boch — Mettlach — Made in France-Saar — Economic Union". This mention serves as a valuable historical marker: the brand "Made in France-Saar — Economic Union" indicates that the piece was produced during the period of the Franco-Saar Economic Union (1948-1959), when Saar was a French protectorate distinct from Germany. Founded in 1748 in Audun-le-Tiche (then a Lorraine territory) by François Boch, the factory merged in 1836 with the Villeroy pottery of Wallerfangen, giving birth to Villeroy & Boch as we know it today. Quickly, the Mettlach factory in Saar became the flagship production site of the group, renowned for the quality of its stoneware, earthenware, and porcelain. In the 19th century, Villeroy & Boch established itself as one of the great names in European ceramics, supplying both bourgeois tables and grand hotels and railway companies. The company is particularly famous for its Mettlach stoneware steins, decorative tiles, and tableware in characteristic colours — among which celadon green, represented here, holds a prominent place in mid-20th century production. Some signs of normal wear.