Pair of 19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Porquier Beau Quimper Platters

$2,900

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Decorate a kitchen wall or a shelf with this important pair of antique platters. Created by Porquier Beau in Quimper, France circa 1895, each rectangular hand-painted faience plate features folding corners and scalloped edges; each wall decor is further decorated with a two-tone blue leaf border, and embellished in the center top with the coat of arms of Brittany. One platter, titled “L’Histoire de la Grand Mere”, depicts an older lady and children in traditional attire engaging in what seems to be a domestic or communal activity, likely spinning wool. The central figure, an older woman, holds a spindle with spun thread, while the others, including two children, look on with interest and participation. The other plate depicts a man in Breton attire, complete with a wide-brimmed hat and blue jacket, dancing or leading a movement. A woman, also in traditional dress, stands opposite him, watching or perhaps participating in the dance. Nearby, two seated figures, likely musicians, are playing an instrument, contributing to the festive atmosphere. In the background, more figures engage in conversation or enjoy the event. Both setting appear to be outdoors, near a rustic building or cottage, indicated by the stone walls in the background. The scene captures a moment of everyday life in rural Brittany, celebrating the heritage and community spirit of the region. The colorful faience platters are in excellent condition and marked with the crossed PB stamp underfoot for further authentication (for Porquier Beau). These large decorative plates would make an outstanding addition to your porcelain collection. Quimper pottery has a long, impressive history. Tin-glazed, hand painted pottery has been made in Quimper, France since the late seventeenth century. The earliest firm, founded in 1685 by Jean Baptiste Bousquet, was known as HB Quimper. Another firm, founded in 1772 by Francois Eloury, was known as Porquier. The third firm, founded by Guillaume Dumaine in 1778, was known as HR or Henriot Quimper. All three firms made similar pottery decorated with designs of Breton peasants and maritime and flower motifs. The Eloury (Porquier) and Dumaine (Henriot) firms merged in 1913. Bousquet (HB) merged with the others in 1968. The group was sold to a United States family in 1984. More changes followed, and in 2011 Jean-Pierre Le Goff became the owner and the name was changed to Henriot-Quimper. The French firm has been called Societe Nouvelle des Faienceries de Quimper HB Henriot since March 1984. Pottery was made in Quimper when the city was part of the Roman Empire, long before tin-glazed pottery was being made. Measures: 12.25″ W x 15.5″ H.

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