French porcelain production began in the early 18th century, in part to curb costly imports from Meissen. Madame de Pompadour played an important role in shaping the French porcelain aesthetic through her courtly and artistic influence. A distinctive shade of pink is named after her. The “famille rose” motif on this set is embedded in patterns reminiscent of Indian textiles. Such textiles were very popular with the daughters of Louis XV.