French Quimper Faience Plates

Quimper pottery has been produced in Brittany for centuries and is instantly recognisable for its colourful, hand-painted decoration. Made from earthenware and traditionally finished with an opaque white tin glaze, the pieces were decorated by hand with flowers, figures and scenes inspired by Breton life.

We brought this little collection back from our most recent trip to France. Some are early pieces, while others are later reproductions of traditional Quimper designs, giving each plate a slightly different look, age and story.

Amongst the collection are the familiar Breton figures surrounded by loose floral borders, colourful botanical designs and more unusual scenes. Because the decoration was applied by hand, even plates following the same traditional patterns have their own variations in colour, brushwork and detail.

They look particularly good gathered together on a kitchen wall or displayed on an open dresser amongst old pottery and glassware. Alternatively, use individually as small serving plates for a table with a bit more colour.

Each plate is sold individually – please select your chosen design from the options available.

• French Quimper faience
  
• Earthenware
  
• Opaque tin-glazed finish
  
• Hand-painted decoration
  
• Various traditional Quimper designs
  
• Dates range approximately 1780–1960
  
• Sourced by us in France

Condition varies according to the age of each plate. Expect the usual signs associated with old French faience, which may include crazing, small glaze losses, surface marks and age-related wear. Please refer to the individual photographs for the condition of your chosen plate.

We always look for Quimper when we're buying in France. We love the loose hand-painted decoration and the fact that no two pieces feel quite the same. They're also incredibly easy to add to a home – one propped on a dresser looks lovely, but a mismatched collection covering a kitchen wall is even better.