A late nineteenth-century French faïence meat platter by Longwy, decorated in the 'Japonais' pattern. The oval dish features molded tree-and-well drainage channels leading to a deep gravy reservoir, decorated with elegant transfer-printed underglaze blue-grey designs depicting a duck in flight, wild grasses, umbelliferous blossoms, and a delicate dragonfly to the rim.

This piece exemplifies the late 19th-century French fascination with Japanese art (Japonisme), combining traditional European utilitarian forms with asymmetrical, nature-inspired compositions derived from Japanese woodblock prints.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Sitter / Source: 'Japonais' pattern
• Artist / Maker / Author: Faïencerie de Longwy
• Period: Victorian (1837–1901)
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Transfer-printed earthenware (faïence)
• Markings: Reverse bears a blue transfer-printed shield mark reading "LONGWY / JAPONAIS / 2" and an impressed circular "LONGWY" mark with numeral "1" and letter "D"
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor surface wear and typical light glaze crazing consistent with age

History

Established in 1798 in northeastern France, the Faïencerie de Longwy became renowned for its high-quality earthenware and later its iconic cloisonné-style enamels. During the late 19th century, the factory embraced the Japonisme movement, producing the highly collectible 'Japonais' service characterized by delicate, asymmetrical depictions of flora and fauna. This platter, with its functional tree-and-well design, represents a superb marriage of French culinary utility and aesthetic movement design.