{"product_id":"19th-century-creil-et-montereau-french-creamware-view-plate-21cm","title":"19th Century Creil et Montereau French Creamware View Plate, 21cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis antique French creamware plate is a charming 19th‑century example from the Creil et Montereau pottery, decorated with a finely printed black transfer scene. Measuring approximately 21 cm in diameter, the plate is formed in a classic flat rimmed shape with a shallow well, typical of mid‑19th‑century French faïence fine and creamware table services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe central cartouche shows a monochrome transfer‑printed landscape titled \u003cem\u003e“VUE DU BOURG DE ROSCHACH sur le Lac de Constance”\u003c\/em\u003e (View of the town of Rorschach on Lake Constance). The scene depicts a lakeside settlement with clustered buildings, church towers and quayside structures, framed by rocky shoreline in the foreground and sailing boats on calm water to the right. The transfer is executed in a fine, almost engraver’s style, reflecting the popularity of topographical and travel views on French creamware in the 1830–1860 period. These series often illustrated picturesque European towns and were marketed both as tablewares and souvenirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA narrow double line encircles the central view, separating it from the wide border. Around the rim runs a continuous black transfer of trailing foliage and daisy‑like flowers, arranged as a scrolling garland between two simple line borders. This restrained but elegant decoration is characteristic of Creil et Montereau’s neoclassical‑influenced wares, where crisp linear ornament complements the pale, slightly creamy body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe body itself is a fine earthenware \/ creamware with an off‑white tone, covered in a clear lead glaze. Under close inspection, light utensil marks and an all‑over network of fine age‑related crazing can be seen on the glazed surface, consistent with genuine 19th‑century use. The glaze retains a good overall sheen despite its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse of the plate is plain glazed with no additional decoration. A faint impressed and printed backmark is visible, though now largely worn and difficult to read in the photographs. Its circular form and positioning are consistent with Creil et Montereau factory marks used during the mid‑19th century. Marks from this period were often lightly printed and can become almost invisible after many years of handling, washing and abrasion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is fair and commensurate with age. There is a noticeable chip and associated roughness to the rim, visible in the photographs; smaller nicks, glaze flakes and general edge wear are also present around the circumference. The surface shows scattered small firing imperfections, minor stains and spotting, and the aforementioned crazing. None of these issues affect the structural stability of the piece, but they should be noted by collectors who prefer pristine examples. The plate displays very well despite the rim damage, particularly when mounted on a wall or stood in a cabinet where the central view and floral border remain the focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its combination of topographical interest, refined black‑on‑white transfer work and desirable Creil et Montereau manufacture, this plate is a collectable example of 19th‑century French creamware. It would appeal to collectors of French faïence fine, transfer‑printed earthenwares, or those with a particular interest in European landscape series and Lake Constance \/ Rorschach views. The modest 21 cm size makes it suitable for display in a mixed wall arrangement, on a plate rack, or in a curated shelf vignette alongside other monochrome transfer ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moffitts Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53941509947676,"sku":null,"price":19.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/moffitts.co.uk\/products\/19th-century-creil-et-montereau-french-creamware-view-plate-21cm","provider":"Moffitts Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}