Dish From The Blois Factory, Signed Ulysse Bois E. Balon With Ermine Decoration - 20th Century

Rare dish of atypical shape, green color from the Blois factory, signed Ulysse BoisE. Balon with Ermine decoration, emblem of Anne of Brittany - 20th century periodA little historyIn 1862, Ulysse Besnard created his factory in Blois. He made tin-glazed earthenware, painted on raw enamel. In 1872 and 1874, two of his students, Josaphat Tortat and Adrien Thibault opened their own workshops respectively and continued the master's teaching. In 1886, Emile Balon, apprentice then decorator at Ulysse, (Ulysse medalist at the Decorative Arts Exhibition of 1876), succeeded him at the head of the factory. Emile Balon took over the Ulysse brand by adding E. Balon Seur. He simplified his mark on his late works ("E. Balon in Blois" or a monogram from the letters "BALON"). Balon's work is distinguished by various objects: Quality production thanks to the finesse of his historiated decorations. In 1891, he received the diploma of honor in Angers. The following year he was a member of the jury in Tours. In 1893, again diploma of honor. Gaston Bruneau (1881-1965), son-in-law of Emile Balon succeeded him in 1929. After a period of prosperity, the factory closed its doors definitively in 1953. The particularity of Blois earthenware is to be attached to the decorative inventory of the Château de Blois: Royal emblems: the swan, the salamander, the porcupine and the ermine present on this dish emblem of Anne of Brittany.