Nevers Earthenware Salad Bowl "patronymique à l'Arbre d'Amour " Circa 18th Century 1781

NEVERS EARTHENWARE SALAD BOWL WITH FAMILY NAME AND “TREE OF LOVE” MOTIF - 1781

A circular, fluted, polychrome earthenware salad bowl decorated with a “tree of love” motif
featuring the family name inscription “Michelle Moreau. 1781.”

The scene, presided over by Cupid, depicts a satirical contest among numerous suitors perched in a tree like fruits to be picked, while women at the foot of the trunk employ every trick in the book to make them fall.

This popular 18th-century imagery, captioned with gallant and humorous maxims in Old French on the rim and in the center of the bowl, humorously symbolizes the quest for love and the “harvest” of husbands. Late 18th century. Very good condition:

No major cracks or previous restoration, with a milky, glossy glaze.

Shows slight wear and chipping along the rim.

Dimensions:

Diameter: 32 cm

Weight: 1445 grams

Shipped with great care

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