French transferware Plate circa1872 - 1890

Vintage or old finds. Revamped items from our hunting and collecting around Bay of Plenty. All items are found vintage, old and re-loved. Imperfections are part of their beauty and embraced. 

The Plate: It was common in late 19th-century France to produce "talking plates" (assiettes parlantes) featuring scenes from hit plays, operas, or political satires. These were often sold in sets to be used as conversation starters during dinner.

The Opera: Composed by Charles Lecocq in 1872, it was one of the most successful stage shows of its era, running for hundreds of performances in Paris.

French to English Translations: 

"LA FILLE DE Mme ANGOT" a French Opera

The Daughter of Madame Angot

Bottom Caption

"Certainement j’aime Clairette / Mais dois-je mourir de chagrin?"

Certainly I love Clairette / But must I die of grief?

The Manufacturer: J. Vieillard & Cie. The mark is the official stamp of the Jules Vieillard & Cie manufactory in Bordeaux, France.

Back of plate Mark: The shield in the center is known as a "scapulaire" or coat of arms. The text surrounding it, "Poterie J. VIEILLARD & Cie Bordeaux," identifies the factory, which was one of the most prominent producers of faïence (fine earthenware) in 19th-century France.

The Age: 1845–1895

Because this mark was used by the factory during its tenure under Jules Vieillard and his sons, we know your plate was produced between 1845 and 1895.

Given that the subject of the plate is the opera La Fille de Mme Angot—which premiered in 1872 and remained a massive cultural sensation throughout the 1870s and 1880s—it is almost certain that your plate was produced between 1872 and 1890.

Dimensions approx: cm height