Very Rare French Antique Majolica Oyster Plate with Forget Me Nots pattern by SARREGUEMINES. Lovely white French majolica oyster plate from “MYOSOTIS” (Forget Me Nots) pattern collection made by famous Sarreguemines pottery in Lorraine area of France in late 1800s. Iconic design featuring 6 shell shape wells for oysters and one center well for lemon or sauce with handprinted forget me nots ornament in the center and on the outer edge of the plate. France in famous Sarreguemines workshop known now among collectors for their beautiful vintage majolica creations in glazed ceramic. Sarreguemines pottery, originating in Sarreguemines, France, became famous for its high-quality ceramics and faience (tin-glazed earthenware). Founded in 1790 by Paul Utzschneider, the company gained prominence for its innovative techniques and artistic designs, blending traditional craftsmanship with industrial methods. Myosotis on Sarreguemines plates indicates that the piece was produced by Utzschneider & Cie U. & Cie, the company operating the Sarreguemines pottery factory. “Myosotis” refers to the specific pattern, inspired by the forget-me-not flower, known as “myosotis” in French. The use of U. & Cie in the mark helps date the piece to the period between 1836 and 1919, when the company was known as Utzschneider & Cie. This marking practice was common during that era, with the company often incorporating U. & Cie” along with “Sarreguemines and regional symbols like the Lorraine coat of arms in their marks. Paul Utzschneider’s management from 1800 revitalized the factory, introducing new glazes and designs. In 1836, the company became Utzschneider & Cie U. & Cie under Utzschneider’s successors. This period saw increased exports and the production of richly decorated, affordable tableware for the growing middle class. Franco-Prussian War Impact (1870): Sarreguemines became part of Germany, but the company adapted, continuing its success in both French and German markets. & Cie embraced Art Nouveau designs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing intricate tiles, tableware, and ornamental pieces. Specifically during the U. & Cie period , Sarreguemines produced ceramics for the luxurious dining cars of the Orient Express, highlighting the company’s reputation for elegance and quality. These pieces, often customized, showcased the brand’s ability to merge art with functionality, becoming highly sourced collector’s items today. With the strong trend for flowers and nature related pattern the “MYOSITIS” pattern is very likely to belong to Art Nouveau era meaning this piece is d. Ating back to end of XIX beginning of XX century but no later than 1919. Diameter of each plate: about 9,8 inch / 25.5 cm, weight 461 grams / 16.26 oz. Very good antique condition. Some slight areas of wear off to glazing. A few crazing to the glaze. Please see the photos for details. Every piece will be carefully wrapped in professional air bubble plastic, paper wrap and placed in a thick cardboard box. We are a multinational couple living in France. We are passionated by the beauty and elegance of French savoir-fair in decorative crafts and on our page we will offer interesting finds. We speak English, French, Polish and Russian and we believe that through communication we will always find a way out.