A French terre de fer earthenware plate produced by Keller & Guérin (K&G) Lunéville in the 'Colibri' pattern. Executed in a warm sepia-brown transfer print on a cream-glazed earthenware body, the rim is decorated with naturalistic foliage, dragonflies, and perched and flying hummingbirds.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Source: 'Colibri' pattern (hummingbirds and foliage)
• Artist / Maker: Keller & Guérin (K&G), Lunéville
• Period: Art Nouveau (1890–1910)
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Sepia transfer-printed earthenware (terre de fer)
• Materials: ceramic, earthenware
• Markings: Printed backstamp on reverse "COLIBRI / KG / LUNÉVILLE" flanked by a laurel wreath; impressed trefoil mark
• Colour & Surface: Sepia brown transfer print on an ivory/cream ground
• Condition: Light surface rubbing and minor footrim wear consistent with age and use; clean glaze face

History

Founded in the mid-18th century, the Lunéville manufactory under the management of Keller & Guérin achieved wide international acclaim in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for fine glazed earthenware (terre de fer). The 'Colibri' pattern exemplifies the late Victorian and Art Nouveau taste for Japonisme and naturalistic study, capturing tropical birds and flora with intricate detail for decorative table settings.