Pair of Late 19th-Century French Alpine Ochre-Glazed Hand-Painted Plates - 9¾"

A charming pair of late 19th-century or early 20th century French Alpine plates in glazed earthenware. Hand-thrown and hand-painted, each plate features a sun-warmed ochre ground encircled by a rhythmic scalloped border in deep blue-green, delicately dotted in iron-red and finished with a beaded rim. The raised brushwork is tactile and slightly imperfect, giving the decoration an endearing folk charm. The glaze pools gently toward the well, with fine crackle and scattered kiln freckles that speak to their small-batch, rural making. Condition is good, with light rim wear and minor nibbles to the edges; one plate shows a faint, stable hairline.

Rooted in the mountain pottery traditions, these decorative yet honest wares were made for everyday use. Today, they bring warmth and character to both traditional and contemporary interiors. Hang them on the wall or rest them on a plate rack to showcase their graphic borders, or place one on a kitchen island or dining table to serve olives, fruit, or small nibbles with effortless, country charm.