This is a stunning set of 4 large plates by the Clignancourt factory in Paris, probably made between 1780 and 1790.
We one more of these plates available, please see separate listing.
The Clignancourt factory was opened by the French architect Pierre Deruelle in 1767 in Monmartre. It produced high quality hard paste porcelain with very sophisticated decorations, making it an important rival to the famous Sevres factory. From 1775 onwards it was placed under the protection of the brother of the French King, also called "Monsieur", who would later become King Louis XVIII. The name "Monsieur" explains the red mark on the back of an "M". The factory closed its doors in 1791.
These platea have a stunning pattern of a black rim with bright pink roses and green foliage, set between two bands of fine gilding. In the centre of each plate is a single pink rose with a gorgeous butterfly and some very charming scattered bugs; each plate is unique.
CONDITION REPORT The plates are in perfect antique condition without any damage, repairs or crazing, and negligible rubbing.
Antique porcelain is never perfect. Kilns were fired on coal in the 1800s, and this meant that china from that period can have some firing specks from flying particles. Due to the shrinkage in the kiln, items can have small firing lines or develop crazing over time, which should not be seen as damage but as an imperfection of the maker's recipes, probably unknown at the time of making. Items have often been used for many years and can have normal signs of wear, and gilt can have signs of slight disintegration even if never handled. I will reflect any damage, repairs, obvious stress marks, crazing or heavy wear in the item description but some minor scratches, nicks, stains and gilt disintegration can be normal for vintage items and need to be taken into account.
There is widespread confusion on the internet about the difference between chips and nicks, or hairlines and cracks. I will reflect any damage as truthfully as I can, i.e. a nick is a tiny bit of damage smaller than 1mm and a chip is something you can easily see with the eye; a glazing line is a break in the glazing only; hairline is extremely tight and/or superficial and not picked up by the finger; and a crack is obvious both to the eye and the finger. Etcetera - I try to be as accurate as I can and please feel free to ask questions or request more detailed pictures!
DIMENSIONS: 24.8cm (9.75").
