Rich in French elegance and timeless charm, we were so pleased to encounter this delightful Antique French Faïence Footed Dish. Produced by K & G Lunéville Faience, one of France's most renowned pottery manufacturers in the company's signature creamy-hued 'Terre de Fer' (earthenware) and painted entirely by hand, the elegantly-shaped dish showcases the sumptuous contours of its profile from every angle. 

Complete with Lunéville's effusive late 19th century mark adorning the reverse, the dish is artfully decorated in a distinctive pavot (poppy) pattern with loose blooms that seem to dance across the bowl's surface in profusive exuberance. Deep romantic tones of crimson, chestnut and goldenrod are accented by a lively palette of greens that brings additional dimension and movement to the design. Elevated on four feet in the charming form of scrolled furniture legs, the rim of this compote-like raised bowl is accented by a geometric design that highlights the lovely sculptural silhouette. True to the spirit of its romantic era, every surface of this magnificent dish has been embellished with lush decorations that create an evocative focal point. With its sublime grace and elegance, this fine piece from this exciting era in Lunéville's history is sure to become a treasured addition to any collection. 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Circa 1900. In very good antique condition. Measures 3"H X x 9.25" x 9.25".

Learn More About "La Belle Époque" era

Referencing the period from roughly the end of the Franco-Prussian War (1871) to the start of World War I (1914) La Belle Époque literally means “the beautiful era” in French. In more ways than one, La Belle Époque has been regarded as Europe’s golden age, a remarkable time that significantly altered the history of the continent and beyond. In less than fifty years, Europe witnessed vast developments on the political, socio-economic, cultural, and technological fronts. The era equates loosely to the “Gilded Age” of the United States. 

At the heart of the entire La Belle Époque era was Paris, a city giddy with the unparalleled prosperity and cultural innovations that had swept through its swiftly shifting streets. From the recently completed architectural marvel that was the Eiffel Tower, to the awe-inspiring works of a new generation of Impressionist artists, La Belle Époque was truly a time to be alive for many Parisians as well as the wealthy across all of Western Europe. 

As the age passed, politics became more fractious, with the extremes of the left and right gaining support. The peace was largely a myth as well. Anger at the loss of Alsace-Lorraine in the Franco-Prussian War combined with a growing and xenophobic fear of the new Germany developed into a belief, even a desire, for a new war to settle the score. This war arrived in 1914 and lasted until 1918, killing millions and bringing the age to a crashing halt.

*History of La Belle Epoque courtesy of ThoughtCo.com and TheCollector.com.

Learn More About Luneville Faience

In 1728 Jacques Chambrette established the first earthenware factory in the town of Lunéville, along the river Meuse in the Lorraine region of Eastern France. As a result of its economic and artistic success, the factory was awarded the status of Manufacture Royale de Fayence by the Ducs of Lorraine in 1749.

At the time, the Lunéville manufacture was one of the main rivals of the expanding English and German ceramics centers and Chambrette managed to successfully export his wares throughout Europe.

In 1786 Sébastien Keller bought Luneville from the Chambrette family and for the next 137 years, the Keller family controlled the company. In about 1832, Sébastien Keller's son formed a partnership with his brother-in-law Guérin to give birth to the mark K&G (or KG) from the names Keller and Guérin.

By 1900, there were around 1,100 employees and the factory's products had a worldwide reputation. The Lunéville artisans were inspired by their surroundings; pieces were decorated with flowers, insects, real and fictitious animals and even exotic figures.

Times and fortunes change and by 1981, the studios of Luneville Faience were shuttered with their long and rich history coming to an end.