Description

Antique ironstone French dessert plates, Sarreguemines Perse set of 2 plates terre de fer talking plates with animals & proverb, brown decor.

MEASURES:
Diameter is 7 3/4″ (19.7 cm).

DESCRIPTION:
Very lovely set of 2 antique dessert plates, these ironstone plates have a beautiful background with tiny brown flowers, spread all over, in the central area of the plates there is a scene in tones of blue, showing naughty dogs and cats, price is for the set of 2 plates.
These kinds of plates are called “talking plates” (assiettes parlantes), they were produced usually in series of 12 pieces, each serie had a theme, for example rebus, literary works, famous monuments, historical events, proverbs, etc…
Usually, these plates were brought to the table at the end of the meal and were intended to stimulate conversation and entertain guests.
The plates are both signed U & C Sarreguemines, usually this model is signed “Perse”, with the Lorraine cross, but these 2 plates just have the signature of Sarreguemines U. et C.ie.
Here are some info about the very interesting “Perse” decoration:
A Cross and Two crosspieces with the inscription U&C at the top, then SARREGUEMINES in the first crosspiece, then a stylized flower with 4 petals (Véronique de Perse) between the 2 crosspieces, then the word PERSE on the second crosspiece and finally a capital letter at the bottom.
Why a cross reminiscent of that of Lorraine?
It is certainly the will of the management of the Faïenceries to identify its production with the region of the parent company. Let’s not forget that we are in the second half of the 19th century, combining Persia from which many flowers known in Europe came, country of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and its representation “Lorraine” is in the tone of the time and therefore gave more impact.
The meaning of the use of this letter is very simple: each identifies a floral decorative motif. The decoration extends over the entire surface of the pieces, except for the place of the vignettes for the decorative plates. There are 12 letters. In order: B C D E F G H J K O R S, not all the letters have been found, some of them have to be identified.
They can be roughly dated after 1862 and before 1919. It is agreed to date the use of this cross around 1890 but pieces of old shapes already present these decorations; the taste for Persian art dates from the 1860s. Indeed, the Universal Exhibition in 1867 in Paris presented earthenware with this type of decoration and which had a very great success.

CONDITION:
The plates are in good antique condition, there are no ruptures and no hairlines, the 2 plates are pierced on the back and have wire, they are ready to hang.

The product has imperfections or a patina due to its age, as can be seen in the photos. Please take a close look at the pictures before making your purchase!

If you need more photos or have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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