19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Barbotine Fish Platter Palissy Style

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Vivid and sculptural, this antique Palissy-style majolica plate was crafted in France circa 1880 and exemplifies the naturalistic tradition inspired … Read more Vivid and sculptural, this antique Palissy-style majolica plate was crafted in France circa 1880 and exemplifies the naturalistic tradition inspired by Bernard Palissy. Modeled in high relief, the oval platter centers on a large fish surrounded by aquatic flora and fauna—reeds, ferns, frogs, shells, and smaller fish—all richly glazed in deep blues, greens, ochres, and browns.
The surface is highly textured, with bold three-dimensional modeling and vibrant coloration that bring the pond scene to life. The reverse displays the typical mottled glaze and integrated loop mounts, indicating it was also designed for wall display.
Measuring 16 inches wide by 10.25 inches high and 2.5 inches deep, this antique majolica plate remains in excellent condition, with minor glaze craquelure consistent with age. A superb example of 19th-century French craftsmanship and a striking decorative object for collectors of Palissy ware or rustic naturalistic ceramics.
Bernard Palissy (1510–1589) was a French Huguenot potter, craftsman, and hydraulics engineer celebrated for his “rustic ware”—elaborately decorated platters featuring small animals and vegetation modeled in relief, often cast from real specimens. Though his original works are rare, his distinctive style was widely emulated by followers throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, and experienced a strong revival in France during the 19th century, as reflected in this piece. See less