Circa 1941–1960 | France
A majolica oyster plate by Gien (see The Gen). Beautifully coloured in turquoise glaze with six oyster shaped wells around a central well. An oyster plate as popular today as it was when it was first made (see The Gen).
DIMENSIONS: Diameter 24 cm.
SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: Marked Gien France.
CONDITION: The plate is in excellent condition with wear consistent with vintage age and use. There is no evident restoration.
REFERENCES: For an example of a similar plate see Oyster Plates, Vivian & Jim Karsnitz, Schiffer Publishing Limited, 1993, p. 36.
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THE GEN
“The Gien Faience Factory (La Faiencerie de Gien) was established in 1821, producing faience and porcelain wares. The firm began manufacturing majolica in 1864. By 1866 the firm employed over a thousand individuals and could produce roughly 50,000 plates a day.” (Oyster Plates, Vivian & Jim Karsnitz, Schiffer Publishing Limited, 1993, p. 36)
“A formal evening meal often began with a soup course or with oysters on the half shell, which were served on specially designed plates. A wide range of wares was manufactured to present this ubiquitous shellfish at the table, from ceramic representations of wooden oyster barrels to stands for open shells. Most majolica oyster plates feature between five and seven wells for the oysters and a central well for sauce or a lemon.” (Majolica: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915, Susan Webber (ed.), Bard Centre, 2020, p. 114)
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Would you like to know more about this piece? Email info@georgegen.com.au I would be happy to help.
