Antique Dieulefit green glazed earthenware plate 8¼"

A shallow plate from Dieulefit, Drôme, in glazed earthenware with a softly lobed rim and a rich copper‑green vernissé surface framed by a dark brown to almost black edge. The well shows gentle pooling of the glaze, with a subtle molded step and a scalloped outline to the rim. Unmarked, as typical for village production. Condition is good with small rim frits, scattered glaze wear, a few firing specks, and fine age‑related crazing consistent with use. Likely late 19th to early 20th century, France.

Dieulefit has produced pottery since the early modern period, prized for its terre vernissée, or faïence rustique, made for everyday tables and rural kitchens across the Drôme provençale. The vibrant green derives from copper oxide in a lead glaze, while the manganese‑brown edge both decorates and helps mask inevitable rim wear. The gently chantourné rim reflects hand‑finished molding common to provincial workshops, where local clay and wood‑fired kilns shaped a distinct regional savoir‑faire.

Its clear, restful green makes a graceful accent on open kitchen shelving, a plate rack, or a wall among copper pans and folded linens. On a console or dresser it sits well on a plate stand, lending a note of French country character, and it layers beautifully with other green and brown vernacular wares for a collected display. Best used for decorative purposes.