Plaque With Chinoiserie Decoration
Plaques of this shape became fashionable around 1725. The flat surface with a wavy border with shell motifs in relief was produced by filling a mould with clay. Outlining the relief work in colour served to heighten the overall decorative effect.
The present theme is a terrace with two elegantly-attired Chinese ladies, with the characteristic topknot hairstyle. It is obvious that the source of inspiration was a piece of famille verte Chinese porcelain.
The Parisian antique dealer, Gilbert Levy, who specialised in ceramics, was regarded as an authority in the field between 1920 and 1940. In addition to porcelain and faIence of French origin a considerable proportion of his imposing stock consisted of Dutch Delftware. In 1936 he exhibited no less than 8 numbers (comprising 14 objects) of Black Delftware at a landmark exhibition which was held by the International Art Exhibition for the Trade at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
What better example to illustrate the standing of Delftware and its appreciation abroad...
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