Plateau
ca. 1547-59 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This fine earthenware dish is a striking example of a rare ceramic ware known as Saint Porchaire or Henri Deux. Produced in the mid-sixteenth century for the French court, these wares feature detailed and elaborate decoration and were probably crafted for display rather than for use.
The creation of these intricate designs would have been highly labour intensive. Elements of the decoration were moulded, stamped or inlaid to build up the complex overall pattern. Such was the skill and time required to make these wares, royal patronage is often assumed.
Though traditionally thought to have been made in the town of Saint Porchaire (hence the name) it is now thought that these ceramics may have been produced in Paris.
During the 19th century, Saint Porchaire ceramics became highly desirable collectors’ items and a number of imitations were produced, such as Minton’s ‘Henri Deux’ wares. Today there are fewer than 80 known examples of original Saint Porchaire ceramics.
The creation of these intricate designs would have been highly labour intensive. Elements of the decoration were moulded, stamped or inlaid to build up the complex overall pattern. Such was the skill and time required to make these wares, royal patronage is often assumed.
Though traditionally thought to have been made in the town of Saint Porchaire (hence the name) it is now thought that these ceramics may have been produced in Paris.
During the 19th century, Saint Porchaire ceramics became highly desirable collectors’ items and a number of imitations were produced, such as Minton’s ‘Henri Deux’ wares. Today there are fewer than 80 known examples of original Saint Porchaire ceramics.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Inlaid earthenware, applied moulded details, enamelled |
| Brief description | Circular basin of inlaid earthenware of cream coloured ground, with inlaid arabesques, France, Saint-Porchaire or possibly Paris, ca. 1547-59 |
| Physical description | Circular basin of inlaid earthenware of cream coloured ground, with inlaid arabesques. In the centre a raised oval medallion with the arms of Guillaume Giuffier of Oiron, near Thours, surrounded by a margin of cartouche work, leaves and fruit, with cherubs' heads in relief. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | The reverse fitted with small triangular incision. |
| Gallery label | DISH with the arms of Guillaume Gouffier
About 1540-7
This is the largest piece of Saint-Porchaire pottery known today. Its shape, with the radial fluting around the central roundel, is closely related to silver and gold dishes. The arms are those of Guillaume Gouffier, of Orion near Thouars, as used before he became bishop of Béziers in 1547.
France, probably Paris area
Lead-glazed fine earthenware
Museum no.4405-1857(2008) |
| Object history | Acquired at the sale of the collection of M. Espoulart of Paris, 1857. Historical significance: "Saint Porchaire" ceramics are characterised by the whiteness of the clay used in their production. The chemical composition of the clay was ideally suited to the successful firing of crisp and detailed decorations, comprising numerous separate parts, and intricate design. The exact technique employed in the production of these pieces is still debated. Some elements were impressed and filled with a clay of contasting colour and moulded details were applied by hand. Similarly, the provenance of these enigmatic pieces remains a matter of some speculation. |
| Historical context | Basins of this type were probably primarily intended for display, rather than use. The group of ceramics, of which this plateau is one, known as "Saint Porchaire", was almost certainly associated with royal and noble patronage on account of the heraldic devices on many examples and the virtuosity of their design.. |
| Production | Or atelier |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | This fine earthenware dish is a striking example of a rare ceramic ware known as Saint Porchaire or Henri Deux. Produced in the mid-sixteenth century for the French court, these wares feature detailed and elaborate decoration and were probably crafted for display rather than for use. The creation of these intricate designs would have been highly labour intensive. Elements of the decoration were moulded, stamped or inlaid to build up the complex overall pattern. Such was the skill and time required to make these wares, royal patronage is often assumed. Though traditionally thought to have been made in the town of Saint Porchaire (hence the name) it is now thought that these ceramics may have been produced in Paris. During the 19th century, Saint Porchaire ceramics became highly desirable collectors’ items and a number of imitations were produced, such as Minton’s ‘Henri Deux’ wares. Today there are fewer than 80 known examples of original Saint Porchaire ceramics. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 4405-1857 |
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| Record created | December 5, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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