My weekend internet fishing expedition turned up what has to be my new favorite shop...although sadly, I have yet to visit it. Le Cabinet de Porcelaine, located at 37 rue de Verneuil in Paris, deals exclusively in the porcelain work of Didier Gardillou and Samuel Mazy. You might be familiar with Gardillou's charming porcelain fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which have been sold in the past at Charlotte Moss' Townhouse, Sue Fisher King, and Branca. Unfortunately, I do not own any pieces by Gardillou, but my sister has one of his small lettuce boxes, which is très magnifique.
I love the idea of a jewel-box shop that is devoted solely to one type of treasure. (It doesn't get more focused than a store that sells not any old porcelain, but porcelain vegetables and flowers!) In fact, my idea of heaven is a small cobblestone alley filled with shops selling embroidered linen, porcelain, stationery, antique books, scents for the home, antique copper cookware, and antique silver- all on a bijou scale, of course. Le Cabinet de Porcelaine would fit into this dream shopping mecca perfectly.
All photos from Le Cabinet de Porcelaine.
The fritillary in the crystal plant pot is exquisite. It reminds me so much of the Faberge objects made for the Russian royal family.
ReplyDeleteI have always been obsessed with the porcelain flowers. Ive always wanted to do a whole wall of them on beautiful painted white brackets inspired by Axel Vervoordts dining room or Deeda Blairs former bedroom in DC.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Jennifer and reminding me that I need to start collecting!
I have dreamed of these porcelain beauties ever since seeing them in Charlotte's Townhouse many years ago. I even hoped she might be selling some of them at her recent Doyle auction, (which I attended and successfully bid on several quintessentially-Charlotte items).
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to own a couple of these beauties. Do you think the cost of packing and shipping from Paris to the US would be just hideously expensive? Do the other stores you mentioned carry a good selection?
Thank you for sharing, Jennifer
Kathy, The shipping question is a good one. I think that it's worth inquiring about the shipping from Paris because you might be surprised at the cost. Then again, it very well might be exorbitant!
DeleteIt has been a year or so since I was in Sue Fisher King, but they did have a few Gardillou pieces. Not a lot, but a few. (I believe that I remember a few lettuce boxes??) I'm not sure how extensive the collection is at Branca. Perhaps they could special order a piece for you?
If I find out any further information, I'll be sure to post it here in the comment section.
Oh thanks for posting this! I'll be in Paris for 2 weeks (in 2 weeks) and am trying to come up with a list of new things to see. Any other ideas are welcome!
ReplyDeleteStefan, that's great news! Can't wait to read about your adventure via your blog. Give us a report as to what this store is like in person!
DeleteUnbelievable. Maybe next Christmas in my stocking.
ReplyDeleteMary
I have to say that I have been in the shop and it is as marvelous as it looks!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Did you buy anything?
DeleteDear Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty post today. My mother has some of those fleurs- she has had them for years. Did you see the piece on Lee Radziwills Paris apartment in the NYT magazine? These fleurs would look great in her place! They look good enough to eat! We are getting a branch of Le Macaron here in Naples- so I will eat the cookies and think about the fleurs while enjoying them!