This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2014
Miniature teacup and saucer, each painted by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and personally owned by the great artist. Two of just seven known pieces of porcelain by Renoir, painted during his apprenticeship in porcelain factory Levy Freres. Porcelain teacup is painted with a floral design in lilac, blue and gilt. Measures approximately .5'' and .5'' in diameter. Porcelain saucer is painted in similar blue and gilt floral design and measures approximately 1'' in diameter. Provenance is from the Pierre Auguste Renoir Personal Artifacts and Archives Collection, consigned to Hantman's in 2005 by Renoir's grandson, Paul Renoir, whose father inherited Renoir's home, Les Collettes, and its contents. In addition, Renoir's porcelain is mentioned in his agent Ambroise Vollard's book, ''La Vie et l'Oeuvre de Pierre-Auguste Renoir,'' with the excerpt reading, ''...I saw on the sideboard shelf of the dining room, a small coffee service and two candlesticks made out of porcelain, decorated by hand...'Those are the only pieces I still have from my old career as a porcelain decorator', Renoir told me...'' Also referenced in ''Renoir in Time'' by noted French art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel. Overall in very good, well-preserved condition.