CIRCA 1784-90, IRON-RED ANCHOR MARK AND INCISED X TO TEABOWL, IRON-RED ANCHOR MARK AND INDISTINCT UNDERGLAZE-BLUE MARK TO SAUCER

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier (1740-1810) and Jacques-Ètienne Montgolfier (1745-1799), brothers from a family of paper manufacturers, were the inventors of the montgolfière-style hot air balloon. After several years of experiments the brothers succeeded in launching the first manned ascent, probably on 15th October 1783, carrying Ètienne. This first success was rapidly followed by attempts by others, with the first free flight by humans being made by Pilâtre de Rozier on 21st November 1783. The early flights caused a sensation and numerous engravings commemorated the events, which in turn inspired a fashion for furniture, clocks and ceramics decorated with a ballooning theme.