Large 1950s Longwy Enamel Dish with Cranes Among Bamboo and Reeds - 14¼"

This large decorative dish was made by Émaux de Longwy in the 1950s, as a hand-crafted reissue of a popular model first created in the 1920s or 1930s. Its central medallion presents three Japanese cranes standing in and around a pond, framed by reeds, bamboo and flowering branches. The surrounding field is densely filled with stylized flowers and scrolling foliage against the intense turquoise-blue ground closely associated with the manufacture, often known as “bleu de Longwy.” Coral, emerald green, violet, ochre and soft pink enamels stand out vividly against the blue, while the finely crazed surface adds further depth. The stamps and marks on the reverse confirm its origin and hand-crafted production at the Longwy manufacture, and two small holes allow the dish to be hung easily for display.

Founded in 1798, Longwy became celebrated for its cloisonné-style enamels, a labor-intensive technique in which each element of the design is carefully outlined before richly colored enamels are applied by hand, compartment by compartment. This painstaking process gives every piece subtle variations and a distinctly artisanal quality, while creating the characteristic glossy surface and gentle relief for which Longwy is known. In this example, the Japanese-inspired composition of cranes, water, bamboo and blossom gives the design a particularly lyrical character. Its continued production into the 1950s reflects the enduring appeal of the original model.

Its saturated color, richly worked surface and serene central scene give the dish an eye-catching presence with a subtly playful edge, whether used for serving or display. It would look especially striking on a dining-room wall, and a companion dish from the same series is available separately here to create a harmonious and highly decorative pair.