A Saint-Cloud Knife, circa 1720-40
This Saint-cloud porcelain knife haft of hexagonal section is finely painted in underglaze blue with Berainesque foliate scrolls and pendant ornaments. The steel blade is stamped with the mark for Maison Cardeilhac.
Saint-Cloud knife and fork handles of hexagonal section and painted in underglaze blue are not so commonly found.
Condition: The blue underpainting is very clear and of an attractive bright hue, and the soft paste porcelain has the admired cream-colour of Saint-Cloud. The silver cap is lacking from the end of the handle. No damage or restoration.
Dimensions: Length (including blade) 21 cm
Discovering the Secrets of Soft-Paste Porcelain at the Saint-Cloud Manufactory, c.1690-1766, Bertrand Rondot, Ed. (BGC / Yale, 1999).