Faïence plate – Rouen decoration – Masse Frères / Les Artisans Faïenciers – Desvres, c. 1960

Beautiful decorative Desvres faience plate, made in the style of antique Rouen faience and attributable to the Masse Frères / Les Artisans Faïenciers workshops in Desvres, probably dating from the mid-20th century.

Round in shape with a scalloped, pierced edge, the plate features an elegant hand-painted polychrome decoration. The centre is animated by a particularly original composition depicting a fantastical bird perched on a bouquet of flowers, surrounded by an exuberant floral design. The motifs combine stylised flowers, foliage, arabesques and geometric elements in a palette characteristic of Desvres faience: blue, orange-red, green, yellow and brown.

The strongly scalloped rim is enriched with relief motifs and polychrome lambrequins, enhancing the decorative character of the piece. Two openings in the reverse also allow the plate to be hung on a wall.

The reverse bears the handwritten inscription “DÉCOR ROUEN – FAIT MAIN” (“ROUEN DECORATION – HANDMADE”), accompanied by a small green-painted “c.”. This combination of markings is characteristic of the artisanal production of the Masse Frères establishment, whose activity in Desvres continued under various names throughout the 20th century.

The piece reflects the long tradition of Desvres faience, which extensively developed handmade reproductions of major historic French decorative styles, particularly those of Rouen.

Very good overall condition, with minor irregularities and traces consistent with artisanal manufacture and age.