Matching set of 8 antique ceramic Rubelles faience 'emaux ombrants' or 'fabrique d'emaux majolica pottery earthenware Plates

A rare matching set of eight side or dessert plates, decorated with various fruits.  The plates have strong bold colours and shading - deep and brilliant greens, caramels and aubergines, with a distinctive and decorative enamel-like quality under their transparent glaze.  At the time the colour combinations were new, unexpected and inspirational, and yet the pottery was produced for every day life.

History ~
Manufactured in Rubelles, north central France, between 1838 - 1853. The factory was famous for a special technique, first used in 1845, which involved shading the enamel finish on the pottery.  This was done by 'lithophanies', which were very thin porcelain plates that revealed a drawing when set against a backdrop of light and were cleverly incorporated into the faience production process.   The earthenware produced by this technique became known as 'emaux ombrants'.  

The technique was pioneered by Baron Charles de Bourgouing and his home in Rubelles became the location of the Rubelles factory.  Geographically it was ideal, as it was in the centre of Rubelles - with good access to water and wood.    It was also located close enough to Fontainebleu, with its silica rich sand, and Montereau, with its abundance of white clay, which were essential for the production of earthenware in 19th century.   

However in 1857, despite being ahead of its time in so many ways, the factory was forced to close.  This was due to poor sales and the high manufacturing cost of the technique that had made the pottery so unique in the first place.  

Condition ~
Good antique condition.  No chips or cracks, some wear to the glaze but perhaps less than shows in the images.  With impressed Rubelles marks, in a traditional oval design.

Dimensions ~
H 2 | Diameter of rim 20.5 cm