Style Japonism, Chinoiserie / Ref.15355

Théodore DECK, Decorative Dish in Glazed Ceramic with Poppy Flowers

This decorative plate with poppy flower decoration was created by the ceramist Théodore Deck at the end of the 19^th century.

Théodore Deck initially trained in the stove-making industry. When he established himself in Paris in 1858, he manufactured stove coverings. Buoyed by his success, he then ventured into ceramics. His workshop created numerous plates, sometimes in collaboration with recognized painters. He gradually perfected his technique and achieved significant success at the many Universal Exhibitions he participated in. In 1878, he was made an Officer of the Legion of Honour. He directed the Sèvres manufactory from 1887 until his death in 1891.

Against a white background adorned with lightly embossed decorations, several field flowers stand out: poppy flowers, both in full bloom and in various stages of blooming, are displayed alongside small orange flowers and even some grasses. The blues and greens of the leaves complement the vivid colors of the flowers.

This work reflects the fashion of Japonism that swept through European art from the 1870s to the early years of the 20^th century, which particularly influenced Théodore Deck, a collector of East Asian art.