Antique French Transferware Ravier, Wreath and Key, Céranord

Period
Early 20th century, French, Saint-Amand, Nord

Size
9¾ x 5¾ inches

French transferware, faïence imprimée, in a dark green pattern of laurel wreath medallions linked by dentil banding, with a Greek key and beaded border along the rim.

A symmetrical oblong ravier with rounded shoulders, tapering to two points at either end, a softened version of the classic lozenge form. Marked on the reverse with the Céranord swan mark, Saint-Amand, Nord, Made in France, and shape number 418.

Scattered spotting and light discoloration in the well, otherwise sold as found.

Historical Context
Céranord was one of the Saint-Amand-les-Eaux potteries in the Nord, marking its wares with a swan device rather than a place-name motif like the windmill used by Saint-Amand & Hamage. The wreath and key combination is a neoclassical pairing, laurel standing for honor and permanence, the Greek key for the same unbroken, continuous line, both common devices in French dinner services of this period.

Styling Ideas
Use it for olives, nuts, or crudités, or let it hold jewelry or small objects on a dresser.