French Majolica Oyster Service for 10 with Matching Platter

Set of eleven French majolica oyster serving pieces comprising ten oyster plates and a matching round serving platter in sea green and ivory. Each plate features six scallop shell-shaped wells surrounding a raised central cup for mignonette sauce or lemon, set against a moulded basketweave ground with hand-applied tonal green glazes and a warm brown border. The crisp relief and glossy glaze beautifully accentuate the sculptural design. Overall, the set is in very good condition, with light glaze crazing and a few minor chips consistent with age and use. Unmarked, the set is likely by the Longchamp pottery and dates to the mid-20th century. 

Oyster plates of this kind were a staple of French entertaining, designed specifically for serving oysters and other shellfish, with a central well for condiments or lemon. Produced by several celebrated French potteries throughout the 20th century, these richly modelled majolica examples celebrate the natural forms of the sea through sculptural shells, basketweave textures, and luminous glazes in fresh sea-green tones. Both practical and decorative, they reflect the enduring tradition of leisurely seafood dining along the French coast.