V. & O. Vignaud (1838?–43)

Pot de crème and saucer having belonged to Louisiana governor André B. Roman

between 1838 and 1843; porcelain

manufactured in France

V. & O. Vignaud, retailer (New Orleans)

courtesy of Oak Alley Foundation, O2013.001.003c6 and O2013.001.003f9

Brothers Valsin and Oscar Vignaud worked together to import fine French porcelain for their Creole customers in the French Quarter. Valsin was a successful merchant, with a stake in the armed brig Venus, which carried freight across the Atlantic Ocean. While Valsin handled the shipping, Oscar managed the chinaware and fancy goods store on Chartres Street, which they had established by 1838.