Early 20th Century French HB Quimper Hand-Painted Faience Platter

$995

About

Add lively Breton character to a kitchen, dining room, or gallery wall with this colorful antique faience platter. Crafted in Brittany, France circa 1920, the octagonal ceramic plate is entirely hand-painted in the distinctive palette associated with HB Quimper pottery.

The central scene depicts three villagers in traditional Breton clothing gathered beside a wooden wine barrel. One man affectionately kisses a woman holding a decorated pitcher, while a kneeling companion draws wine from the cask into a bowl. A thatched cottage, distant church spire, trees, flowers, and birds complete the cheerful rural composition.

The broad border is decorated with bold cobalt-blue scrolling foliage, alternating corner panels of yellow and green flowers, and fine ochre outlines that emphasize the platter’s angular form. Signed “HB Quimper” by the artist on the front, the piece also bears the factory mark on the underside.

Quimper’s celebrated tradition of tin-glazed, hand-painted faience began in the Locmaria district in 1690 with potter Jean-Baptiste Bousquet. Regional figures, traditional costumes, village life, and floral borders became enduring motifs of this collectible pottery.

The platter is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use. A later wire on the reverse allows for convenient wall display.

Dimensions: 13” W x 10” H

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