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Hold a piece of 18th-century France. This exceptional earthenware deep plate, originating from the revered kilns of Moustiers, is a ceramic canvas of Rococo wit and whimsey.
Executed in the highly sought-after yellow monochrome (ochre), the central well explodes with a vibrant, tiered tableau. Here, history is playful. We invite your eyes to dance among the intricate grotesques in the distinctive manner of Jacques Callot. It is a world of theatrical caprice: a dramatic winged beast, an elaborately costumed performer, and a whimsical unicorn-like rider sharing space with fluttering butterflies and palm trees. Every glance reveals a new, charming detail of this Commedia dell'arte-inspired scene.
The scalloped rim, bordered by refined ochre bands and intricate floral sprigs, frames this spectacle. This item possesses a deep, honest patina of time. We view its imperfections—a fine, historic vertical hairline crack through the body, professionally stabilized to preserve structural integrity, and various wear marks—not as damage, but as the authentic signatures of centuries of curation and history. It is a tangible link to a grander era.
This Moustiers plate is a true cornerstone acquisition for the dedicated antique enthusiast or a singular accent piece for an Old World leaning interior design project.
Specifications:
Origin: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France
Period: 18th Century (Circa 1750-1780)
Style: French Rococo Faience, Grotesque (Callot manner)
Material: Tin-glazed Earthenware (Faience)
Dimensions: Diameter: 26.5 cm (approx. 10.4 inches)
Condition: Used condition. It exhibits a visible historical hairline crack running vertically through the body, which has been professionally stabilized and restored for structural integrity. The glaze shows pitting, wear, and minor chipping to the edge, all consistent with a genuine object of this age and significance. (Refer to images).
Delivery: Complimentary shipping within the USA is included in price.
Historian's Note:
In the mid-18th century, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie became the epicenter of the French ceramics revolution. While many centers produced blue and white faience imitating Chinese porcelain, Moustiers distinguished itself through innovative design and rich coloration. This specific style of grotesque decoration, popularized on ceramics by the great decorative artist Jean Bérain and interpreted through the theatrical wit of Jacques Callot’s engravings, transformed utilitarian objects into narrative art.
The choice of yellow (ochre) monochrome was daring and prestigious. This vibrant pigment required precise, single-fire craftsmanship and was viewed as a distinctly European luxury aesthetic, offering an alternative to the dominant blue palettes. Owning a piece of Moustiers grotesque faience was a symbol of intellectual cunning and sophisticated taste in Rococo society.
This specific piece is culturally significant because its tiered composition and dense use of figures capture the essence of a period obsessed with caprice (playful whim) and theatrical novelty. The presence of the unicorn-rider and fantastic beasts next to figures from the Italian theatre exemplifies the era's mixing of mythology, satire, and daily life. Despite its restoration, the purity of its yellow monochrome palette and the legible detail of its Callot-inspired scenes make it a rare, reference-quality specimen of French cultural heritage.
