Antique Trompe L’oeil, "Napkin" Six Well Oyster Plate 9.25" Mint A496

Here is a "Napkin", a 6-well oyster plate. It is an example of what is known as Trompe L’oeil, which is a French term meaning to "fool the eye" or create an illusion. In this case, six empty oyster shells appear to be lying on a cloth napkin, and two of the shells appear to be partially covered by the napkin. The brown comma shapes are thought to have been the attachment point of the oyster to the shell. The translucent, porcelain plate is pale blue-gray, 9.20" in diameter, and in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, crazing, or repairs. Please enlarge and review the photos as they are part of the description. There is no maker's mark on the plate, only the number 0162. We have seen this plate described as French or German, to our best knowledge.

Retail $225