Villeroy & Boch Mettlach - Platter - Large Art Nouveau bowl, model 2960 • 1905 to 1909 • diameter 38 cm - Stoneware

Villeroy & Boch, Mettlach
Large Jugendstil dish, model 2960 • 1905 to 1909, production years 1905 to 1909

The decor consists of a symmetrical Elderberry floral motif that radiates outward from a deep blue central circle. Rays in ochre yellow and blue spread out like stylized petals or sunbeams, surrounded by abstract floral shapes with contrasting areas in white, ochre, and cobalt blue. The decorative border features clusters of stylized blue flowers with gold accents that fan out in a tree-like form – a clear reference to the natural inspiration of Art Nouveau.

The dish is made of fine earthenware and displays a careful and technically refined execution in relief decoration, probably using the well-known plaque relief technique of Villeroy & Boch.
Bottom side marked with model number 2960.
Metlach brand VB
Legal company V.S. Patent of
Made in Germany.
Model: 2960


Condition: Usual signs of use consistent with the age of this special dial.
This does not detract from the decorative value of the terrine.

Literature: Walt Vogdes, The Essential Mettlach Marks

Note: Model 2960 belongs to the strict, graphic Jugendstil that Villeroy & Boch developed around 1900 as a modern alternative to their rich relief decoration. The symmetrical lancet shapes and the two-tone palette illustrate the factory's drive for innovation, while the grape cluster motifs refer to its use as a punch terrine. A characteristic example of Mettlach stoneware from the heyday of Jugendstil.