1970s Faience De Gien Oiseau Bleu - 2 Kiwi 1 Fig Set - 3 pcs

Details

Description

---

**DESCRIPTION**

A charming French faience dinner plate from Gien's iconic Oiseau Bleu (Blue Bird) collection, featuring the classic 19th-century-inspired … Read more ---

**DESCRIPTION**

A charming French faience dinner plate from Gien's iconic Oiseau Bleu (Blue Bird) collection, featuring the classic 19th-century-inspired blue and white geometric border contrasted with a vibrant hand-painted center illustration of kiwi fruit. The composition balances naturalistic fruit rendering with decorative precision—the bright yellow-green kiwi slices with their characteristic black seeds are rendered with both scientific accuracy and artistic playfulness.

The Oiseau Bleu pattern has been a signature design of Gien since the 19th century, celebrating the marriage of French regional flora and classical blue-and-white faience aesthetics. This fruit variant updates the traditional concept with contemporary subjects: kiwis were a relatively exotic fruit when these plates were produced, making them a charming snapshot of mid-to-late 20th-century French design optimism and the expanding global food culture.

At 8.5 inches in diameter, these are versatile dinner plates equally at home on the table or displayed as decorative wall art. The hand-painted center makes each plate unique—no two are identical, evidence of the artisanal production process.

**CONDITION**

Excellent pre-owned condition. No chips, cracks, crazing, or significant wear. The blue glaze is vibrant and fully saturated. The hand-painted fruit illustration shows no fading or lifting. Fully food-safe and dishwasher-safe per Gien's specifications.

**DETAILS**

- **Origin:** Gien, Loire Valley, France
- **Brand:** Faiencerie de Gien
- **Pattern:** Oiseau Bleu (Fruit) — Kiwi
- **Era:** c. 1970s–1980s
- **Material:** Fine French faience (earthenware)
- **Diameter:** 8.5 inches
- **Markings:** "Gien FRANCE" on underside
- **Status:** Individual plate, sold separately or as set

**PROVENANCE**

Private collection, Marseille estate. Comparable Gien Oiseau Bleu fruit plates list on Chairish at $85–$125. These are priced at $95 for excellent condition and direct curation.

**DESIGN CONTEXT**

The Oiseau Bleu pattern originated in 19th-century France as a response to the European fascination with blue-and-white Asian porcelain. When Gien applied the pattern to fruit motifs in the mid-20th century, they created a celebration of agricultural abundance and exotic global fruits—a design statement about postwar optimism and expanding European food culture. Kiwis, still relatively exotic in the 1970s-80s, represented the "new world" aesthetic in French design.

**MARKET POSITIONING**

As dinnerware, this plate brings conversation and warmth to a formal table. As wall art, it becomes part of a larger fruit-still-life gallery. As a collectible, it's increasingly sought by Gien enthusiasts building comprehensive collections.

**SHIPPING & LOCAL PICKUP**

Ships carefully packaged with custom tissue and bubble-wrap. Shipping: $12–$20 continental US. Local pickup available in South Florida by appointment. See less