SET 12 Dance theme display / cabinet plates, 1800s French antique, 'Les Danses' c1890, Creil Montereau, France, old-time / ballroom dancing

French antique style here with this very rare FULL SET of 12 French antique 'talking plates' ('assiettes parlantes' in French) from the 1800s with a wonderful theme of dances. With 12 different designs each showing a popular dance of the time, in polychrome transferware with cream ground on ironstone faience.

The series illustrates 12 different popular dances in France from the late 19th Century, contemporary with the era they were made - these would be a stunning gift for a dancer! Featuring fabulous Parisian fashions of the Belle Epoque along with the stylish party scenes, these wonderful pieces would have graced a wall or cabinet, or served at the dessert table for fashionable soirées of the day.

Priced and sold as a complete SET of 12 pieces with all plates in excellent condition. Marked for Creil et Montereau, France, with the mark (and fashion styles!) dating these pieces to circa 1890-1900.

Every piece in excellent antique condition, these plates have wonderfully detailed and elegant polychrome transferware designs that would have been hand colored over the sepia transferware base. No chips, cracks or scratches, and few signs of use suggesting that these plates have probably been kept for display. There are a few tiny 'fleabite' chips to the rim, age-appropriate crazing, and plates 2, 6 and 9 show a little tea-stain patina. Overall, in truly fabulous condition for age, and ready to be put to use, place on display or to give to someone special.

The central panels of each plate each feature a different scene, with the captions of the dance names as follows:

Plate 1 - Le Menuet
Plate 2 - Le Cotillon
Plate 3 - Le Pas de Quatre
Plate 4 - Le Quadrille
Plate 5 - La Boree
Plate 6 - La Polka de Bebes
Plate 7 - La Valse
Plate 8 - Le Lanciers
Plate 9 - Le Cake Walk
Plate 10 - Le Pas Des Patineurs
Plate 11 - La Tarcentelle
Plate 12 - La Troika

Dimensions per plate:
Diameter: 20.5cm
Height: 2.5cm

Excellent on display, or to use, this set will also make an ideal gift for lovers of antique style, discerning plate collectors, or for Francophiles - but would be an especially thoughtful present for a dance lover.

A gorgeous and rare set by a wonderful maker to treasure ! Please feel free to ask any questions. Many more photographs are available by request, please don't hesitate to ask.

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Notes on shipping -

FREE SHIPPING VIA MONDIAL RELAY to a relay point of your choosing within Metropolitan France. If you would like door-to-door shipping, please upgrade your delivery options to La Poste Chronopost.

I will always refund shipping overages. Etsy shipping charges are not always accurate to every destination - please enquire if you would like an exact quote for fully-insured shipping to your destination.

I am very happy to combine shipping so please get in touch if you like multiple items in my store.

I always shop around to ensure the best possible packaging and shipping solution for you. Rest assured I will be using all my skills as a former art gallery owner to ensure that this treasure makes its way safely to your home. I have shipped literally hundreds of fragile items to every continent over the past 20 years. Your shipment will be fully insured against loss and damage in transit so you can buy with confidence.