Antique plate fragment ornament - Medium

A one-of-a-kind ornament crafted from an antique French faience plate fragment, salvaged in France and shaped by hand to preserve its original glaze, pattern, and beautifully irregular character. Each piece is finished with French velvet ribbon hand-sourced by me in Paris, adding a refined touch that complements the softness of the faience. Many fragments retain charming details from their former life—partial maker’s stamps on the reverse, subtle ribs from the plate’s molding, or slight bends that recall the shape of the original vessel.

Medium:

A: 1 5/8”

B-C: 1 3/4”

Details

• Authentic fragment of an antique French faience plate
• Period: Likely late 19th–early 20th century
• Material: Glazed earthenware (faïence)
• Ribbon: French velvet ribbon, hand-sourced in Paris
• Condition: Light wear, crazing, softened edges, and occasional ribs or curvature, all consistent with antique faience and part of its charm.

Styling Notes

Perfect on a holiday tree, tied to a wreath, layered on a mantel, or displayed year-round on a handle. Nice to add to host gift on a gifted bottle of wine or spirits. Each ornament feels like a tiny rescued vignette from a once-loved French plate, full of warmth, texture, and history.

Historical Context

Faience has been a fixture of French domestic life for centuries, recognizable by its tin-glazed surface and decorative printed or hand-painted motifs. These fragments were revived from damaged plates and reimagined as ornaments, preserving traces of their origins such as backstamps, molded ribs, and slight curvature. Their motifs—floral, botanical, or scrollwork—echo the everyday artistry of French ceramics from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.