Longwy - Dish - Ceramic

Longwy - Octagonal coaster

Period 1930 - 1950

Longwy … a town located in the northeast of France, close to the border with Belgium and Luxembourg.
Known among ceramic enthusiasts for its stunning faience production, which enjoyed glorious periods especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.

This is an octagonal coaster or salvamantel (placemat) in Émaux de Longwy (French ceramics from Longwy), with a Chinoiserie decoration of birds and flowers in a central medallion.

Characteristics of the object

* Material: Earthenware with polychrome glazed relief decoration (cloisonné-like enamel technique on ceramics).
* Form: Octagonal.
* Decoration: A central crackled medallion with a bird by a pond or on branches, surrounded by stylized pink and orange flowers against a dark blue and light blue background.
* Provenance: From the famous Longwy earthenware factory in France (Faïenceries et Émaux de Longwy), often dated from mid-20th century.
* On the back of the dish is a shield with a ribbon depicted.
* Some of the craftsmen responsible for the detailing – known as rehausseurs (artists who apply accents) – are, in themselves, true artists. Their initials are often found on the back of the enamel pieces.
* Their work consists of enriching the design by applying a second layer of enamel over the first, thereby giving the artwork more depth and volume.
* Some of these artists are true masters of their craft. Their initials are often on the back of the enamel objects. Although the custom of listing initials only became common in the 1930s—causing earlier artists to remain largely anonymous—their work was of great importance for the success of the pottery factory. Their role is to enrich the design by applying a second layer of enamel (mixed with essence of water) over the first, which adds depth and volume to the decoration.

Each side is 10 cm long

Thus the circumference is 80 cm

Height: 32 mm, standing on 4 feet

In impeccable condition, without defects!