Images(2)

Plate

Dateca. 1780

Maker Niderviller

OriginEurope, France, Lorraine

MediumPorcelain, hard-paste with pink, green, blue, black, orange, yellow, and gold

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

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

Object number2008-130

DescriptionLobbed porcelain plate, the rim decorated with three painted polychrome floral sprays and gilding at the edge. The center of the plate ornamented with a painted cartouche depicting 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, French porcelain continued to be popular in America into and during the nineteenth 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.
ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Charles W. Ridinger III