This gorgeous pin dish was made by the Longwy faiencerie in the town of Longwy in the Lorraine area of France. The pottery began firing their pieces in 1801. The works made pottery with other designs but their enameled faience is especially appreciated.
Longwy began making this pottery to capitalize on the popularity of cloisonné. Whereas cloisonné uses wire to surround the enameling, Longwy used raised black lines which were then filled in with color by hand after firing, then refired. Sometimes they used as many as twenty-five different colors.
This octagonal pin dish is in excellent condition. It measures 3 ¾ inches wide and 3 1/8 inches high. The mark on the reverse reads “Decore a la Main” (decorated by hand) then Longwy and then France. This dish was made before 1919, when “made in” was required on items, instead of simply the name of the country.
The colors on this piece are beautiful, especially against the turquoise background.
By: Linda Henrich
Photos By: Wayne Henrich
PYH 3649