Creil Et Montereau Pottery Leaf Plates- Set of Twelve

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Creil et Montereau Pottery Leaf Plates, Set of Twelve,
Circa 1840

This exquisite set of twelve pearlware plates from the … Read more Creil et Montereau Pottery Leaf Plates, Set of Twelve,
Circa 1840

This exquisite set of twelve pearlware plates from the Creil et Montereau company, dating to circa 1840, is a testament to the elegant and innovative design of 19th-century French ceramics. Each plate features a striking design: a deep, lustrous blue ground on the rim frames a central section molded and painted to resemble a detailed leaf. The intricate ribs of the leaf are also rendered in a matching blue, creating a beautiful and harmonious visual effect. This sophisticated yet whimsical design transforms a simple dining plate into a work of art, reflecting the refined tastes of the period. The plates are circular with a diameter of 8 1/2 inches (21.59 cm).

Historical Context
The history of the Creil and Montereau potteries is a fascinating chapter in the evolution of French ceramics. Founded in 1797 in the Oise region of France, the Creil pottery gained a reputation for its high-quality earthenware, even earning a mention in Gustave Flaubert's novel L’Éducation sentimentale. The pottery’s early 19th-century revival was spearheaded by new ownership and the skilled management of Jacques Bagnall, who introduced new techniques and designs.

The year 1840 marks a pivotal moment for both companies. It was the year of a significant merger between the Creil and Montereau factories, forming the “Creil and Montereau Faïenceries.” This merger, operating under the name Lebeuf, Milliet & Co. (LM & Co.), consolidated their expertise and resources, allowing them to produce a wider range of high-quality ceramics. The creation of these plates around the time of the merger makes them particularly significant, as they represent the beginning of this new, combined enterprise. The fusion of the two companies led to an era of prosperity and widespread distribution, with their fine pearlware becoming highly sought after in both France and abroad. This set of plates, with its delicate pearlware body and imaginative design, embodies the artistic and industrial advancements of the Creil et Montereau partnership. It reflects a period when mass production began to meet refined artistry, making beautiful objects accessible to a broader clientele.

Condition
One plate has an old, now invisibly repaired break. Another plate has a short hairline on the reverse only, which does not compromise its structural integrity.

(Ref: NY9965-nnmi) See less