A beautiful collection of eight vintage French oyster plates by the famed Faïencerie de Gien, one of France’s most celebrated faïence manufacturers, circa 1940s. Glazed in a luminous turquoise blue, each plate is molded with six generously sized oyster wells arranged around a smaller central well, creating a wonderfully sculptural presentation for oysters on the half shell.
The molded design takes its inspiration from the sea, with each oyster well shaped like a natural shell and surrounded by raised, flowing details reminiscent of seaweed and aquatic foliage. A softly scalloped outer edge follows the contours of the shells, giving each plate an organic, almost flower-like silhouette.
The glossy turquoise glaze settles beautifully into the molded details, creating subtle variations from pale aqua to deeper blue-green within the recesses. These tonal variations accentuate the relief decoration and give each plate the wonderfully dimensional character associated with French glazed faïence.
Bring the charm of French coastal dining to your table with these striking mid-century oyster plates. Designed for serving oysters, the six surrounding wells cradle individual shells while the smaller center well is perfect for lemon, sauce, or garnish. Their vibrant turquoise color and sculptural form also make them beautiful decorative pieces, whether displayed in a cabinet, on open shelving, or hung on a wall.
A fine example of French barbotine majolica, these plates embody the artistry and enduring quality for which the Gien factory is known. Each bears the Gien France factory mark on the reverse. As vintage pieces, slight variations in glaze and coloration may occur from plate to plate, adding to their individual character.
Founded in 1821 in the Loire Valley, the Faïencerie de Gien became renowned for its decorative ceramics and distinctive contributions to French tableware. Oyster plates, both functional and highly collectible today, became an especially charming part of the French table, reflecting the country’s long-standing love affair with oysters harvested along its Atlantic coast, particularly in Brittany and the celebrated oyster-producing waters of Arcachon.
Sold individually, each plate makes a perfect addition to a curated table setting, seafood bar, or as a collectible object of sculptural simplicity.
Dimensions:
diameter - 9.75"
h - .75"
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Maker: Gien
Origin: France
Date: Vintage
Material: Glazed faïence
Shape: Scalloped oyster plate with six molded oyster wells surrounding a smaller central well
Detail: Sculptural shell-form wells with raised aquatic-inspired decoration and molded relief throughout
Color: Luminous turquoise blue with subtle variations of aqua and blue-green in the recessed details
Mark: Signed Gien France on the reverse
Condition: Very good vintage condition with minor variations consistent with age and use
Use: Ideal for serving oysters, displaying in a cabinet, or creating a colorful French coastal tablescape
Dimensions: Approx. 9.75″ diameter
Sold: Individually; eight available
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