Two Decorative Barbotine Plates With Embossed Fruit Designs – Late 19th / Early 20th Century

A charming set of two antique decorative plates made of glazed earthenware known as “barbotine,” featuring naturalistic relief designs of fruit, flowers, and foliage.

The first, with a large diameter, features a pear tree branch bearing three yellow pears with reddish tips, accompanied by green leaves and delicate pink flowers. The design stands out against a cream-to-brown background, displaying a beautiful crackled glaze effect.

The second, with a smaller diameter, is adorned with a fruit in high relief, in shades of white, green, and pink, surrounded by polychrome foliage. The design stands out against a brown and cream glazed background.

These two pieces reflect the taste for naturalistic designs and trompe-l’œil depictions of fruit, which were particularly popular in the decorative arts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The sculpted form of the fruit, the relief of the foliage, and the variations in color lend this set a distinct decorative charm.

Estimated date: late 19th–early 20th century.

Technique: polychrome glazed earthenware, relief decoration.

Motifs: pears, fruit, flowers, and foliage.

Condition: shows signs of age, with glaze crazing and small visible marks. Also note a small chip or glaze defect on the small plate.

A beautiful set of antique earthenware pieces, ideal for a decorative ceramics collection or to enhance a charming interior.

The set of two plates is being sold together.