"Ernestine" production (early 1950s). "Ernestine" represents a real myth in the history of ceramics in the international arena. It attracted artists such as Giò Ponti, buyers such as Jacqueline Kennedy, the Kings of Belgium and England. Founded in 1948 in Vietri by architect Matteo D’Agostino (1905-1968), former owner of "D’Agostino Ceramiche”, and by his partner and inspirer, the designer Ernestine Virden Cannon (1904-1969), American artist who moved to Salerno in the postwar period. From the personal and professional partnership between Matteo, able to create unusual and wonderful shapes for indoors, and Ernestine, fine designer of delicate and original watercolour subjects, began the artistic adventure of the "Ernestine" production, an amazing experience that lasted only two decades (1948-1968), as it was stopped by the death of Matteo D'Agostino, followed (a year later) by that of Ernestine Virden Cannon. The three plates here offered are entirely hand-painted (because prior to subsequent production in series). Diameter cm 21.5 The first (autumn leaves and berries) is full dated and signed (unique piece); the second (Sorrento lemons in watercolour tones) is signed and signed as limited edition (1/12); the third (fruit in Pop-Art style) presents an innovative graphic pattern that anticipates the subsequent production. These are the earliest works of the famous "Ernestine" production of Vietri, produced in collaboration with the German ceramist engineer Horst Simonis, presumably on watercolour drawings by the same Ernestine Virden Cannon. The 3 plates are in very good condition. The background is perfectly intact and pure white; the colours are vivid; the strokes (of watercolour tone) appear perfect. Slight rust stains on the back (due to the plates hangers). In one of the dishes, slight defect in cooking (on the fruit in black), confirming a still handcrafted production.