1850s Lebeuf Milliet Creil Et Montereau “Fraise” George Sand Dessert Plates - Set of 10

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Description

A set of ten mid-nineteenth-century French faïence dessert plates in the Fraise pattern by Lebeuf, Milliet et Cie for Creil … Read more A set of ten mid-nineteenth-century French faïence dessert plates in the Fraise pattern by Lebeuf, Milliet et Cie for Creil et Montereau, France, circa 1850–1870. The pattern is documented within the 1841–1875 production period of Lebeuf, Milliet et Cie and is closely associated with the dessert service used by George Sand at Nohant, examples of which are preserved in the Musée George Sand et de la Vallée Noire.

Each plate is formed in fine earthenware with moulded relief decoration representing wild strawberry plants. The botanical composition incorporates exposed roots, serrated leaves, blossoms and fruit, with individual elements picked out in hand-painted polychrome colour. The relief modelling gives the decoration physical depth across the plate surface rather than relying solely on painted ornament.

The pattern is particularly distinctive for its naturalistic treatment of the strawberry plant, including the normally unseen root system. Green foliage, white and coloured blossoms, red fruit and earth-toned roots are distributed around the surface in a repeated botanical arrangement. As expected with individually finished nineteenth-century faïence, there are subtle variations in painted colour, line and tonal density between plates.

Museum examples from George Sand's Nohant Fraise service measure approximately 20.8–21.2 cm in diameter, closely corresponding to the 8.5-inch diameter of this set. These plates are therefore accurately described as the Fraise pattern associated with the George Sand Nohant dessert service, without implying ownership by George Sand.

The ten plates remain in remarkable antique condition for their age. No chips or cracks are present. Very faint glaze crazing occurs on a few plates and is visible only upon close inspection. Utensil wear is extremely minor, if present at all. One plate shows slight fading to part of the painted root decoration, while another has naturally brown-toned root decoration consistent with hand-painted variation. Occasional minute glaze loss is present on raised leaf details, together with minor original production and decoration irregularities.

Measurements: 0.75 in H × 8.5 in diameter each

Weight: 6.13 lb combined

Style: French Traditional, French Country

Origin: France

Age: Circa 1850–1870 See less