Antique bonbonnière Quimper with pink basket decoration and Breton portrait.

For lovers of rare and characterful pieces, this sweet jar is a true gem! Made in Quimper at the HB-Henriot workshops, it boldly combines two emblematic elements of Breton tradition: the famous "pink basket" decoration, with freshness and bright colours (yellow, pink, green, and speckled blue), and a rare hand-painted portrait of a Breton pipe smoker on the lid. Signed "Bagnoles de l’Orne", this piece was most likely a special order for a shop or a spa, as was common at the time. This type of mixed decoration, combining a stylised floral motif and a Breton figure, is virtually unobtainable on the current market. It does not appear in any of the current Quimper catalogues. We love the graphic richness of the decoration: pink festoons, floral garlands, yellow borders, and touches of dark green on a speckled background, the unique portrait with a naive yet expressive line, framed in a yellow niche shape, and the generous, rounded form typical of HB utilitarian pieces from the 50s-60s. Diameter 12.5 cm without the handles, height 13 cm with lid (8.5 cm without lid). In very good vintage condition, with slight signs of age under the base, a tiny chip on the edge of each handle, and a paint defect on the edge (missing a bit of speckled blue). See photos. A true collector's piece. A decidedly retro and colourful charm, perfect for characterful interiors!