Gien “Les Fromages” Cheese Serving Plate Set in Original Box (6873)

Diameter: ~22 cm Approximate dimensions.

Gien “Les Fromages” Cheese Plate Set (6 pcs.) in Original Box

A snapshot of the countryside, Colette (Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette): On a sweltering summer afternoon in the Loire Valley, where the air smelled of wild thyme and sun-warmed earth, the writer settled in the shade of an old oak. She slowly opened her wicker picnic basket, from which wafted the aroma of freshly baked baguettes and aged country cheese. On a linen tablecloth, she laid out six pale faience plates, their design seeming a direct continuation of the surrounding nature.

The sunbeams dancing in the foliage reflected off the delicate glaze of the plates, highlighting the natural, fine network of cracks that testified to the ceramic’s living breath. As she sliced the soft Camembert and firm Comté cheese, she smiled at how masterfully the artist had captured this very scene on the surface of the plates – a wine glass, cheese wheels, and a rural idyll framed by embossed vine leaves.

This moment and these dishes were more than just a meal; they were a deep reverence for France’s “terroir,” its taste of the land, and its art de vivre. Sipping chilled wine from the nearby vineyards, Colette felt how these Gien plates transformed a simple afternoon snack into a true celebration of gastronomy and aesthetics, celebrating life’s simple yet profound luxury.

Introduction This charming set of six vintage faience plates from the renowned manufactory “Gien” is a true embodiment of rustic chic and gastronomic culture. The set belongs to the “Les Saveurs” (Flavors) collection, the “Les Fromages” (Cheeses) series, and comes in its original gift box.

Period of Manufacture Second half of the 20th century (Vintage), France.

Manufacturer and Signature The bases of the plates bear the “GIEN FRANCE” manufactory stamp, as well as a reference to the “Les Saveurs” series and designer Marie-Pierre Boitard (style marie-pierre boitard). The original factory packer’s control slip (“Fiche de Controle D”) is also preserved in the box, confirming the set’s authenticity and careful assembly.

Design and Decor The plates are made of warm, cream-white faience (majolica). Their centers feature a delicately illustrated, idyllic picnic scene in a woodland setting – a table laden with various cheeses, wine carafes, glasses, and a bread basket. The composition is framed by the inscription “Les Fromages”. The wide borders, adorned with a rich, embossed relief of white grape clusters and leaves, add a special tactile appeal to the tableware.

Application This set is designed to be the star of your cheese and wine tasting evenings. It will fit perfectly into a country house interior as well as a modern apartment, bringing a warm, Provençal ambiance. An ideal and tasteful gift for gourmets.

Condition Very good vintage condition, the plates have no chips or cracks. The faience, as is completely natural and even desirable for this type of ceramic, exhibits a distinct craquelure (network of fine cracks) in the glaze. This does not affect the functionality of the dishes but rather lends them a unique antique charm and a “living” texture. The set includes the original box with an illustration (the box shows minor signs of age). The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.