French, Quimper 1940-50
Bring a touch of French coastal charm to your table with this striking vintage oyster plate from Henriot Quimper, one of Brittany's most celebrated faience potteries. Beautifully hand-painted in a vibrant sunshine yellow with a dramatic black ground, the plate is decorated with delicate white and ochre motifs that reflect Quimper's long tradition of artisanal craftsmanship.
Designed with six individual wells and a central sauce compartment, oyster plates were created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to serve oysters elegantly while keeping them separate in their shells. Today, they are wonderfully versatile and can be used for serving seafood, canapés, olives, dips, petit fours, or simply displayed as decorative wall art.
The reverse bears the Henriot Quimper mark, indicating it was hand-decorated in Quimper, Brittany. The pottery tradition in Quimper dates back to 1690, when skilled potters established workshops in the town. Henriot became one of the region's most renowned faience manufacturers, celebrated for its hand-painted designs inspired by Breton folk art, coastal life, and regional heritage. Each piece was individually decorated, making every example unique.
This cheerful oyster plate is a wonderful example of mid-century French pottery and would make a beautiful addition to a collection of Quimper faience or to a table filled with colour and character.
published in "Belgian and French Oyster Plates in Faience" by Guido T.Poppe.
diam 23 cm, Height 3.8cm
Perfect for:
- Serving oysters and seafood
- Entertaining with canapés and dips
- French country and coastal interiors
- Collectors of Quimper faience
- Decorative wall display
- to display jewellery on a dresser
A joyful piece that combines practical function with the rich artistic heritage of Brittany.