Antique French Mother-of-Pearl Cased Dessert Serving Set
This four-piece set, likely dating to the Belle Époque (c. 1890–1910), is known in France as a service à mignardises. These specialized serving utensils were popular during an era when entertaining was an elaborate affair, and there seemed to be a beautiful utensil for nearly everything.
Mignardises are tiny, delicate sweets traditionally served at the end of a meal, often alongside coffee. Think miniature pastries, chocolates, candied fruits, macarons and little confections—something to prolong the pleasure of the table even after dessert has been served.
This four-piece set, likely dating to the Belle Époque (c. 1890–1910), is known in France as a service à mignardises. These specialized serving utensils were popular during an era when entertaining was an elaborate affair, and there seemed to be a beautiful utensil for nearly everything.
Mignardises are tiny, delicate sweets traditionally served at the end of a meal, often alongside coffee. Think miniature pastries, chocolates, candied fruits, macarons and little confections—something to prolong the pleasure of the table even after dessert has been served.