Keller & Guérin (K & G Lunéville)
Antique French Faïence Pear Plates by K & G Lunéville (Obert) | 8½” Fruit Plates, c. 1890–1900
Antique French Faïence Pear Plates by K & G Lunéville (Obert) | 8½” Fruit Plates, c. 1890–1900
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AT A GLANCE
- Type:
- Decorative plate
- Style:
- French Country | Provincial French | Hand-Painted Faïence
- Signature:
- Obert (Signed on front)
- Era:
- Art Nouveau (1896 - 1914)
- Circa:
- 1890 - 1900
- Origin:
- Lunéville, Lorraine, France
- Maker:
- Keller & Guérin
- Material:
- Tin-glazed earthenware (faïence)
- Dimensions:
- 8 ½" diameter
- Condition:
- See variant descriptions
- Mounting:
- Rear holes for hanging
- Decoration:
- Hand-painted pears
- Maker’s mark:
- K & G Lunéville France
Keller & Guérin Lunéville Antique French Faïence Pear Plates Signed Obert
Collector’s Note
Keller & Guérin (K&G Lunéville) fruit plates are prized for their vibrant hand-painted decoration and naturalistic fruit motifs. Artist-signed examples—such as those bearing the Obert signature—are especially sought after, reflecting the individuality of the decorator and the artistry of late 19th- and early 20th-century French faïence production.
Collectors are drawn to plates with strong color saturation, finely detailed brushwork, and balanced composition. Subtle background tones, gentle glaze variation, and light signs of age are typical and contribute to the authenticity and enduring charm.
These beautiful antique French faïence fruit plates were hand-painted by Keller & Guérin (K & G Lunéville) in Lunéville, France, circa 1890–1900. Each 8 ½" diameter plate features luscious pears in rich, painterly tones against softly shaded backgrounds, with two rear holes for easy wall display. While the pear motifs are nearly identical, subtle background color variations and minor condition differences add honest antique character.
Offered individually so collectors can select the perfect variation for a Lunéville fruit plate grouping, gallery wall, or cabinet display.
Red-Orange Pears on Apricot
- Beautifully preserved in antique condition; no cracks or chips; only gentle light crazing, primarily on the back. Signed “Obert” on the front—the artist behind many of Lunéville’s most desirable fruit studies.
Gold Pears with Gilt Rim on Cobalt Blue (c. 1890)
- Well-preserved in very good condition; no cracks or chips; some gilt wear consistent with antique gold-gilt faïence. Marked “Déposé,” signifying a registered design.
Orange-Yellow Pears on Green
- Well-preserved with no cracks or chips; light crazing on the back—a natural signature of its age and authentic tin-glazed character. Tiny pit on front; signed “Obert.”
Decorating Appeal
Equally suited for display or use, Lunéville fruit plates bring a fresh, colorful elegance to the home. Their painterly fruit motifs and softly blended backgrounds make them ideal for open shelving, hutches, or wall arrangements, where each plate can be appreciated as an individual work of art.
Grouped together or mixed with ironstone and other French faïence, they add warmth and a collected, European feel—perfect for farmhouse, French country, and provincial-inspired interiors.
Historical Note
Lunéville faïence is among the most celebrated French ceramics. In 1730, Jacques Chambrette established the factory in Luneville, Lorraine. His innovations—including the development of terre de Lorraine earthenware—helped define the region’s distinctive ceramic identity.
Sébastien Keller acquired the factory in 1785. Around 1832, the firm became known as Keller & Guérin producing both utilitarian wares and finely decorated faïence. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lunéville was widely recognized for its hand-painted designs, including richly colored fruit and floral motifs that remain highly collectible today. Factory production declined following World War II, and Lunéville ultimately ceased production in 1981.
Explore our full French Faïence collection to mix and match timeless antique and vintage tin-glazed earthenware from notable French centers including Lunéville, Quimper, and Strasbourg.
Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.
Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.
We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.
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