Virion - Montigny sur Loing - Dish - Ceramic

Exceptional hand-painted French faience dish signed “Virion”, by Charles Virion (1865–1946), Montigny-sur-Loing, France, circa 1890–1900.
An exceptional hand-painted French faience dish by Charles Virion, created at the renowned Montigny-sur-Loing pottery workshops. Virion was one of the most accomplished decorators associated with this celebrated centre, known for his expressive floral compositions, free brushwork and painterly style inspired by nature.
The dish features an elegant organic free-form shape, decorated with delicate yellow flowers and lush green foliage against a rich cobalt-blue background. Its fluid, impressionistic execution and harmonious palette beautifully embody the artistic spirit of French Art Pottery during the Belle Époque.
The front is signed “Virion” within the decoration. The reverse bears an old handwritten inscription reading “Montigny-sur-Loing”, further supporting its historical association with this important French pottery centre.
A refined and highly decorative example of French Art Nouveau ceramic art, suitable for an advanced collection or as an elegant statement piece.
Good antique condition consistent with age. The colours remain vibrant beneath an attractive glossy glaze. There is one chip to the rim, a small localized glaze loss caused by a minor impact, a tiny glaze loss along the inner rim, light surface scratches and gentle traces of age and use.
Height at highest point: 5.3 cm
Length × width: 24 × 25.5 cm

Charles Virion began working for the Georges Delvaux workshop in 1889, where he developed his distinctive painterly floral style. He later collaborated with Boué & Petit and became an important artist of the Montigny-sur-Loing faience tradition. His work received recognition at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 and is represented in major French museum collections.