Antique French Transferware Oval Platter, Chinon Pattern, Choisy-le-Roi

Period
Late 19th to early 20th century, French

Size
10¼ x 14½ inches

A French transferware oval platter in the Chinon pattern, made by H. Boulenger & Cie at Choisy-le-Roi, from a five-piece table service offered individually.

The rim carries a laurel frieze printed in teal blue, paired sprigs tied off with ribbon at diamond medallions, lined along its inner edge with a narrow scalloped band, running continuously just inside the scalloped edge. The glaze is a warm ivory.

The platter shows wear consistent with its age and use. Sold as found.

Historical Context
Laurel bound with ribbon is a classical motif, carried into nineteenth century French ceramic pattern books as part of the wider neoclassical revival. H. Boulenger & Cie ran the Choisy-le-Roi works from 1863, when Hippolyte Boulenger renamed the firm, until the factory closed in 1934. Chinon takes its name from the town on the Loire, the same naming convention Sarreguemines used for its own Obernai pattern.

Styling Ideas
Use it to serve at the table, or lean it on a plate rail. Hang it alone or with other plates on the wall. Bread, cheese, or fruit sit well on the wide flat well.