Purchased over 25 years ago from an antique shop in Paris, France. This is a set of two very old and hard-to-find, lovely ceramic canisters. They are labeled "The" (tea) and "Poivre" (pepper). These are charming Barbotine canisters featuring a relief of three small pink roses. The smooth curves and pink gradation are very elegant. They are all hand-painted with a vibrant pink gradient. Only the "Poivre" canister has a lid. These are very popular canisters, and especially this pink rose Barbotine is one of the most difficult canisters to find in France, and you rarely see them even in Paris these days. Barbotine is a French term meaning "bumpy," referring to the embossed, three-dimensional design of soft pottery, which was particularly popular in France and other parts of Europe during the Art Nouveau period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Being earthenware, they are fragile and almost all have crazing and stains in the crazing. The only markings are numbers, but they are undoubtedly from a prestigious French kiln such as Saint-Clément or Lunéville, dating from around the early 1900s. Despite their age, they have a glossy finish and a very attractive aura. Ceramic canisters are more fragile than enamel, so very old ones are becoming quite rare even in France. Especially canisters with such popular designs are very expensive in France. They have an antique yet cute appearance, and this rose series is truly wonderful and captivating. They would look lovely wherever they are placed. They can also be used practically for storing small items, and can be used separately. One doesn't have a lid, so it might be easier to use as a pen stand, etc. They might look very chic and cute when displayed in a cabinet or used as a small item holder in a room. The condition is as it was when purchased. There are stains, dirt, scratches, scuffs, crazing, etc. There is also a line on the "The" canister. The lid has a chip, but it has a very antique appearance. Many French people like this kind of atmosphere in the case of pottery. They are a rare find. Approximate size: The larger one is about 8.5 cm tall. As they are very old ceramics, there are crazing, stains, scuffs, scratches, small chips, lines, cracks, and stains. Please refrain from purchasing if you are a nervous buyer.