I really love a rebus, even if I'm not good at solving them (especially when they are in French!), and think the imagery on these is really great, so could just not resist. From what I understand, in 19th century France dessert plates like this were common, providing entertainment along with the final course after a formal meal. On the underside of the plates are the solutions to the rebuses, to be turned over to confirm success (or peek to cheat) after dessert was finished!
This fine blue and white faience set was produced J. Vieillard & Co., Bordeaux, with the mark dating them definitively to between 1845 - 1865. The year 1855 appears on one plate, so would think that was the year, give or take, when they were produced.
I believe there were once a total of twelve in the set, but these six have survived, and I'd love to see them stay together, so am listing as a set. There are just a couple of rim chips and one good repair as pictured, but overall they are in very good shape, bright and crisp and just terrific looking. Certainly a great excuse to host a French-themed dinner party, through I might be inclined to hang them on the wall to puzzle over and give incentive to improving my French!
Plates measure 7 3/4" in diameter x 7/8" tall. Photos document each, then a few favorite details.
