Ode to the Oyster: A Mid-Century French Affair a Complete Set of Twelve Hand-Painted Mbfa Pornic Pottery Oyster Plate

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A Complete Set of Twelve Hand-Painted MBFA Pornic Pottery Oyster Plates

This exceptional collection of twelve French oyster plates represents … Read more A Complete Set of Twelve Hand-Painted MBFA Pornic Pottery Oyster Plates

This exceptional collection of twelve French oyster plates represents a vibrant moment in post-war French design and a revival of a storied culinary tradition. Manufactured by the MBFA Pornic Pottery Studio (Manufacture Bretonne de Faïences Artistiques), these pieces date to the Mid-Century Modern era, circa the 1960s.

The tradition of the dedicated oyster plate dates back to the Victorian era (mid-19th to early 20th century), when the crustacean was a popular and plentiful delicacy. While the initial craze faded after World War I, it saw a resurgence in the mid-20th century, inspiring modern interpretations of the classic form.

The MBFA Pornic studio, established in Loire Atlantique, Western France, in 1948, became known for its decorative and often bold ceramic designs, successfully navigating the competitive French faïence (earthenware) market. This set embodies the dynamic aesthetic of the 1960s, a period embracing striking, graphic patterns and vibrant colour palettes.

Each plate features six wells for holding shucked oysters and a central well for lemon or dipping sauce, all stylized as graphic, abstract forms. The striking colouration—bold yellow, lively green, and touches of red set against a dark, painterly ground—is highly characteristic of the studio's Mid-Century style, often associated with designer Bernard Serraz. The phrase “peint à la main” (hand-painted), often stamped on the verso along with the MBFA Pornic mark, emphasizes the artisanal quality, ensuring that each plate possesses subtle, unique variations.

More than mere tableware, these plates are a celebrated example of functional art, bridging classic French dining customs with the avant-garde spirit of the Mid-Century Modern movement. They are a highly collectible piece of French ceramic history, perfect for display or use in the grand tradition of the French seafood course.

References:

MBFA Pornic (Manufacture Bretonne de Faïences Artistiques): Established in Pornic, Loire Atlantique, France, in 1948, known for its hand-painted faïence.

Period: Mid-Century Modern, circa 1960s.

Design Influence: The style reflects the graphic, abstract tendencies of post-war French design, often attributed to designers like Bernard Serraz.

(Ref: VM98789) See less