A hand-painted faïence decorative plate by Masse Frères, Les Artisans Faïenciers, Rouen, Normandy, France.

MARKS AND IDENTIFICATION:

Marked to the base in black: DÉCOR. ROUEN. FAIT. MAIN. with a green painted artist initial "c." Both original hang tags are present and intact. Tag one reads: Prestige de la France / Reproduction de Faïences d'Autrefois. Tag two reads: Les Artisans Faïenciers / Masse Frères. The plate is honestly identified as a hand-painted reproduction of historic Rouen faïence décors, produced by one of Rouen's respected 20th-century artisan workshops.

DESCRIPTION:

Round plate with scalloped rim, 25 cm (10 inches) diameter. Unglazed terracotta foot rim.

Decorated in the classic style rouennais throughout. The wide border carries a dense continuous pattern of cobalt blue rocaille scrollwork interlaced with orange-red carnations and green foliage, in the manner of 18th-century Rouen lambrequin and floral border designs. The central well holds a symmetrical floral spray in cobalt blue, orange, and green on a speckled cream tin glaze ground.

All decoration is entirely hand-painted, not transfer-printed.

CONDITION:

Very good. No chips, cracks, hairlines or repairs. Glaze bright and even. Both original hang tags attached and intact — a desirable survival. Hanging hardware fitted; suitable for display on a plate stand or shelf.

Diameter: 25 cm / 10 inches.

Ships from France, carefully packed.