Large Art Deco "Émaux de Longwy" Decorative Dish w/ Japanese Cranes - 14¼"

This impressive large decorative dish was made by Émaux de Longwy in the 1950s, as a reissue of a popular model first created in the 1920s or 1930s. Its generous circular form is centered with a Japonisme-inspired scene of three cranes among reeds, with a distant mountain strongly evoking Mount Fuji. The medallion is surrounded by an exuberant field of stylized flowers and foliage set against the intense turquoise-blue ground associated with the manufacture, often known as “bleu de Longwy.” Coral, emerald green, violet, ochre and soft pink enamels stand out vividly against this saturated 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, while 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 plants and a Fuji-like mountain gives the design a particularly lyrical character. Its continued production into the 1950s reflects the enduring appeal of the original model.

Its saturated color, lyrical Japanese-inspired scene and richly worked surface 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.