Images(2)

Plate

Dateca. 1780

Maker Niderviller

OriginEurope, France, Lorraine

MediumHard-paste porcelain

DimensionsOverall: 9 5/8in. (24.4cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Ridinger, III

Object number2008-130

DescriptionLobbed porcelain plate, the edge gilt and the rim decorated with three painted polychrome floral sprays. The center of the plate painted in pink, green, blue, black, orange, and yellow enamels with a square cartouche enclosing an Asian man, smoking a pipe and sitting in a chair in a landscape. The cartouche decorated with pink drapery swags and a pink ribbon at the top.
Label TextWhile there is little evidence for French porcelain in the American colonies prior to the Revolution, it did become popular after the War. Popularized by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others, the taste for French porcelain continued in America throughout the 19th century.

A faience factory was founded in Niderviller in 1706 by Baron Jean-Louis de Beyerle and has produced porcelain as well since 1754. During the period 1770-1793 the concern was owned by the Comte de Custine. Charles-Gabriel Sauvage, called Lemire, was modeler from 1759 until 1808. He signed some of his figures, most of which were in biscuit, 'Lemire pere'. The factory was bought in 1827 by M.L.G. Drylander.
MarkingsThe reverse marked with a pair of conjoined mirrored C's below a six-pointed crown, all painted in puce.
ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Charles W. Ridinger III