Shabby SET 4 French bird / ornithology antique decor plates, parrots & butterflies in brown transferware 'Floride' by Pexonne, France 1800s

Gorgeous earth tones for antique decor with this set of 4 ornithology plates depicting parrots, other birds plus butterflies and damselflies. In the 'Floride' ('Florida') pattern from Fenal Freres of Pexonne, France. The parrot is probably the Carolina Parakeet, beautifully detailed and rare antique ironstone faience earthenware side plates in brown transferware. Featuring a lightly tea-stained aged cream ground, with highly detailed transfer printed design of vignettes of birds and insects. Four lovely pieces of charming antique ornithological faience ware.

Priced and sold as a SET of 4.

Three pieces bearing a mark in use between 1857 - 1914 from renowned faienceries of FF Pexonne (Fenal Freres), the other piece is impressed with a production number. The style of this piece dates it to the latter part of the 19th century during the period of the Aesthetic Movement c1875-1895.

The late 1800s was an exciting time in design in Europe, and this piece unapologetically embraces the romance of the exoticism that was so important in the Arts and Crafts / Aesthetic movement, focusing on the rare bird life to be found in the swamps of the US State. This design is made in 'terre de fer' (the French term for earthenware / ironstone) in deep russet brown set off beautifully by the gently aged ground to create the inimitable look of an authentic antique.

The pattern name is 'Floride', for the US state that was home to the birds would have seemed wildly exotic, the perfect motif to decorate the salons of wealthy Parisians. The parrots featured in the design are likely the Carolina Parakeet, now extinct, but still present in the swamps of central Florida at the end of the 19th century. Along with these beautiful birds, the design features blossoming branches, accented by the occasional bug or butterfly.

21.5cm diameter x 3cm high.

Condition varies between the pieces, as follow:

Plate one (with the smaller bird standing) is in excellent antique condition. No chips or cracks and a lovely tea stained patina
Plate two with flying long billed bird is in satisfactory antique condition - as above with a hairline crack of approx 4.5cm at the rim. See photos for condition.
Plate three (parrot spreading its wings) is in shabby antique condition - with a shallow 2cm crack at the rim
Plate four (with the larger parrot) is in satisfactory antique condition - it has a penetrating hairline crack at the rim, Y-shaped about 3-4cm in length.

See photos for condition. More photos available on request. Past their best for use, but despite their defects, all four plates are lovely on display. Perfect for the plate rack or ideal as a wall plate set.

A stunning set of romantic French antique design pieces to treasure!

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Notes on shipping -

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