Rare Pair of 17th–18th Century Earthenware Plates w/ Folk Art Motifs - 15¼"

This pair of antique ceramic serving plates, dating to the 17th or 18th century, is a remarkable example of folk art pottery. Each plate is hand-decorated in warm red slip with stylized birds, floral sprays, and geometric motifs, accented by touches of green. The designs are spontaneous and expressive, with irregularities that highlight their handmade character. The surfaces show the expected wear and craquelure of centuries of use, with softened edges and areas of glaze loss that attest to their age while preserving the integrity of the decoration. One plate bears an old repair using traditional metal staples, a time-honored method that speaks to its value and long history of use.

These plates belong to the provincial tradition of slipware made for everyday use and display. Potters in southwest France favored iron oxide for warm red tones and copper oxide for soft green, trailing slip across a pale ground with simple horns and brushes. The tulip and tree-of-life bouquets, framed by rhythmic borders, completed the decoration. reflect motifs from seventeenth-century European decorative arts, reinterpreted through rural craftsmanship that balanced utility with charm.

Ideal for a farmhouse kitchen or a collected dining room, the pair reads beautifully on a plate rack, hung as a small wall grouping, or propped on a console to bring warmth and texture. Their earthy glaze and lively motifs mix easily with copper, linen, and weathered woods, and they can anchor open shelving with authentic patina. For a seasonal table, use as chargers or serving accents with care, allowing the decoration to lend depth and quiet character to the setting.