A French faience plate, in the Moustiers style, featuring a blue and white figural decoration. The specific motif of a warrior or classical figure surrounded by floral and insect motifs is characteristic of the decorative style popular in the 18th century. 

Details

• Origin: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village in southeastern France renowned for its tin-glazed earthenware (faience) production since the 17th century.
• Style: The decoration is in the Bérain style, which was highly influential in Moustiers from around 1710–1740. This style often features delicate arabesques, architectural motifs, and figures inspired by the engravings of Jean Bérain the Elder. The figure on your plate appears to be a warrior with a spear and shield, a common subject in this period.
• Period: While original 18th-century Moustiers plates are highly prized, this style was extensively copied by other French factories throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and modern artisans still produce wares in the old style today, as in this case.
• Material: It is made of faience, a type of earthenware with a white tin glaze.
• "M. Blanc" is a known signature associated with Michèle Blanc, a contemporary faience artist in the renowned pottery village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France. 

About the Artist

• Michèle Blanc established her workshop, Atelier Michèle Blanc, in 1977. The plate measures 8" or 22 cm.