Antique French Egg Carrier with Six Hand-Painted Egg Cups - late 19th Century

A rare survivor from a simple French country kitchen: a late-19th-century ceramic egg carrier with six tiny, removable egg cups - each hand-painted with its own floral motif. Sweet, delicate, and brimming with patina.

There’s quiet poetry in everyday objects - especially those made for modest homes with a keen eye for beauty. This French egg carrier dates to the late 1800s and holds six small, removable egg cups, each hand-painted differently with sprigs, blossoms, and butterflies. The rectangular caddy has softly chamfered edges, a gently arched handle, and scattered floral sprays across the sides and top.

The palette is tender - buttercream ground with honeyed outlines, soft greens, sky blues, and warm rose tones - giving it that unmistakable rustic-French feel. It’s unmarked, which aligns with many provincial wares of the period, likely produced in a regional atelier for everyday use rather than a grand house.

A beautiful display piece for a dresser or kitchen shelf; equally lovely for serving soft-boiled eggs at a leisurely breakfast or styling spring and Easter tablescapes. Time has left its trace - light wear to rims, small glaze nibbles, and age-toning - only adding to the authenticity and charm.

• Material: Earthenware, tin-glazed and hand-painted (polychrome)
• Maker: Unknown (provincial French atelier)
• Motif: Floral sprays and butterflies; each egg cup with a unique painted decoration
• Style: French Country / Provincial, late 19th century
• Place of Origin: France
• Mark: Unmarked
• Date of Manufacture: c. 1880–1900
• Condition: Good antique condition with age-consistent wear. Light glaze crazing and toning; scattered small frits/nibbles and rubbing to rims; minor surface marks to carrier and cups; structurally sound and complete with all six cups.