French Faience Plate with Chinoiserie Scene – Attributed to Rouen, ca. 1760–1790
$1,200.00
Exceptional French faience plate from the late 18th century, hand-painted with a refined chinoiserie scene in vivid enamel colors. Attributed to Rouen, this rare piece combines technical mastery with elegant Rococo ornamentation. Well-preserved, richly detailed, and ideal for collectors or interior designers seeking authentic period ceramics.
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French Faience Plate with Chinoiserie Scene – Attributed to Rouen, ca. 1760–1790
An exceptional piece of 18th-century French tin-glazed earthenware, hand-decorated with a chinoiserie scene drawn from the late Rococo ornamental repertoire. This plate, oval in shape with a scalloped contour and a gently moulded rim, features a richly detailed figurative composition painted in metallic oxides over an ivory white glazed surface, framed by a double manganese line.
The central decoration, of notable technical quality and compositional balance, is inspired by the European vision of the Orient cultivated throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Two male figures dressed in fantastic, orientalizing attire are represented: one standing, turned toward the seated figure, who rests beside a large floral container. The scene unfolds in a stylized garden landscape featuring pergolas, geometric trellises, trees, rock formations, birds, and butterflies—all arranged with asymmetrical elegance and strong ornamental intent.
The pictorial execution is particularly refined: the enamels retain their original brilliance, and the scene is rendered with precision and dynamism. The palette—comprising cobalt blue, copper green, antimony yellow, manganese, and iron oxides—is masterfully applied over a fine glaze with authentic antique craquelure.
Stylistic and technical analysis supports attribution to the Rouen manufactory, likely within the Marigny circle or workshops linked to the legacy of the Poterat family, with decorative influences from Lille. The absence of a mark is consistent with the period practice for pieces destined for export or high-end domestic clients.
Its excellent state of preservation, combined with the quality of the painting and the rarity of the complete figurative scene, make this a highly collectible object. It is ideal for a classic or eclectic interior, as well as for a refined 18th-century decorative arts collection.
Dimensions:
Height: 3 cm / 1.18 in
Width: 32 cm / 12.6 in
Depth: 26 cm / 10.2 in
Technique and materials:
Tin-glazed earthenware (faïence fine), hand-painted decoration with metallic oxide enamels over white glaze. Pigments used: cobalt, manganese, copper green, antimony yellow, iron oxides.
Origin and date:
France (Rouen, with Lille influences)
Ca. 1760–1790
Condition:
Very good condition for its age, with the following observations:
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The glaze surface shows a fine, homogeneous craquelure typical of 18th-century tin-glazed faience, stable and authentic.
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The decorative enamel colours remain vivid, with no fading or loss.
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The plate shows a few minor chips and small abrasions along the rim, consistent with age and handling. These do not affect the integrity or visual impact of the piece.
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No visible cracks, structural damage or restorations detected under close inspection.
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The reverse shows minor firing marks and natural irregularities from the original manufacturing process.
Overall, this piece is exceptionally well preserved for a functional and decorative ceramic object of its period, retaining its full aesthetic and historical value.
