1970s Gien France "Belle Île en Mer" Seafood Plates — Hand-Painted Majolica, 11.25" - Set of Four

Details

Description

**Category**
Tableware & Serveware

**Subcategory**
Vintage Dinnerware / Dinner Plates

**Condition**
Excellent — Vintage

**Era/Period**
1970s–1980s

**Maker/Origin**
Gien, France

**Materials**
… Read more **Category**
Tableware & Serveware

**Subcategory**
Vintage Dinnerware / Dinner Plates

**Condition**
Excellent — Vintage

**Era/Period**
1970s–1980s

**Maker/Origin**
Gien, France

**Materials**
Hand-painted ceramic majolica

**Dimensions**
Diameter: 11.25 inches | Depth: 1.5 inches

**Quantity**
Set of 4 pieces

**Markings**
"Belle Île v.A. Gien FRANCE © GARANTI LAVE-VAISSELLE DISHWASHER SAFE" on underside of each plate

**Special Characteristics**
Shrimp (seafood) decoration | Discontinued piece

---

**Description**

A charming set of four hand-painted French majolica dinner plates from the Belle Île en Mer collection by Gien, the legendary Loire Valley ceramics manufacturer. Each plate celebrates the dramatic Breton coastline through hand-painted marine motifs: coral lobsters, grey mussels, golden lemon slices, and delicate fennel fronds rendered in cobalt blue, terracotta, and sea green against a creamy ivory ground.

The hallmark Gien craftsmanship: hand-painted cobalt borders frame a generous cream-colored central well, surrounded by individually rendered marine life with the precision of scientific illustration. These are not mass-produced—each plate shows slight variation, evidence of hand-painting.

At 11.25 inches in diameter, these are versatile dinner or serveware pieces equally at home at a formal table or displayed as sculptural wall art. Belle Île en Mer is a rocky island off the Breton coast; this collection celebrates French regional identity and artisanal mastery. Limited production run, now discontinued.

**Condition:** Excellent vintage. No chips, cracks, or restoration. Hand-painted glaze fully intact with vibrant color saturation. Minor crazing consistent with age—not a flaw, but evidence of authenticity and history. Dishwasher-safe per original markings.

**Provenance:** Private collection, French estate.

**Note:** Sold as complete set of four only. These are European heritage ceramics for the discerning collector. See less