There is an admirable fact about the psychology of France: her destiny is never to be mediocre. Josephin Peladan (1858-1918)

{HISTORY}

Made between 1896-1900, this buttery yellow antique cake plate was created in the celebrated porcelain studios of Limoges, France. Attributed to the work of two studios, both manufacturers and decorators each and of themselves, this plate bears both makers marks. That means that one pottery was responsible for making the plate and the other for decorating it.

Containing handpainted flowers (mums, morning glories and ranunculus) accented with gold detailing and a scalloped rim, this dish is a beauty both with a cake or without. Warm, thanks to its coloring and soft thanks to the exquisite porcelain from which it was made, it is easy to understand why its luxury makers and luxury importer would be so enthusiastic to present such a pretty server to dish collectors of the early 20th century.

On the back, it is stamped with the A.L anchor mark. That stands for the porcelain studio Alfred Lanternier, a father and son pottery that first started in 1857 with Francois Fredric Lanternier. The plate is also stamped with the Elite Limoges mark in red. The Elite Works was a porcelain manufacturer and decorating studio that was set up in Limoges, France by US-based importer Bawo & Dotter. Purveyors of European porcelain, Bawo & Dotter, first established in the 1860s, sold European-made dishware to a discerning clientele from their New York-based shop. Garnering quite a reputation for high-quality dishware, Bawo & Dotter was relentless in curating the most exquisite collection of porcelain pieces available. 

Around here, we like to imagine that if you shopped with Bawo & Dotter in 1900 New York City you were not only on the hunt for a functional dish but also a work of art. This dish represents the best of both worlds when it comes to quality and design. With sturdy handles and a glimmery gold edge, it is both useful and decorative, just as it was intended 125 years ago. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Handled cake plate for easy transport

- Colors include coral, butter, lemon, rust, gold pink, purple, pea and cream

-Stamped on back with maker's marks

{CONDITION}

In absolutely beautiful condition. No spots, stains, cracks or chips.

{SIZE}

Measures 11"inches (length handle to handle) x 10.25" inches (width) and weighs 1.6 lbs

{FOR THE PORCELAIN COLLECTOR}

We like porcelain servers best when they are mixed in with plain white modern-day dishware, which really allows their unique beauty to stand out against a neutral backdrop in a bright way. Find more porcelain pieces in the shop here.