Nevers Faience Plate, Chinoiserie Decor, 18th Century French

An 18th century French faience plate from Nevers, dating to the 1790s. The plate is decorated in polychrome with a bird perched on flowering branches, rendered in a chinoiserie manner characteristic of Nevers production of the period. The scene is painted with lively brushwork in a vibrant palette of blue, green, yellow and orange, centred within a softly contoured, shaped rim.

The border is accented with a blue scalloped line and further enriched with delicate floral sprays, enhancing the decorative rhythm of the composition. The combination of the stylised bird, the flowering branches and the expressive use of colour reflects the so-called “country” or popular decors for which Nevers faience is particularly appreciated in the late eighteenth century.

A highly decorative example, illustrating the enduring fascination with Chinese-inspired motifs in French faience of the period.

Good condition: light chipping and some usual wear to the rim.

23 cm (9 inch)