Antique soup tureen 1890-1910 opaque porcelain ironstone Gien Chardons model

Beautiful small antique soup tureen in faience, Gien manufacture, "Chardons" model, Belle Époque, late 19th to early 20th century, circa 1890-1910. Dark blue printed decoration of stylised thistles. Ivory white faience with a slight cream hue, characteristic of Gien's opaque porcelain. Complete soup tureen with its original lid, featuring a lovely finial. Side handles in the same style. The decoration on the lid is slightly darker than that on the body, a common difference in antique pieces due to distinct firings or glazes. Marked underneath with the manufacturer's crest "Porcelaine Opaque de Gien - Chardons". Approximately 14 cm in height with the lid, 22 cm in diameter, 27 cm in width with handles, 8.5 cm in height without the lid. Very good overall condition considering its age. There are visible usage cracks both inside and outside. Some minor enamel losses on the handles, old and discreet. No hairline cracks, no chips. Approximately 1.6 kg.