This unusual porcelain oyster plate dates to the 1880s and was crafted in Limoges from a design by Theodore R Davis for President and Mrs. Rutherford B Hayes. In 1879 there was a commision of a state dinner service for the President and his wife with Haviland & Co of Limoges in France. The service which totalled 562 pieces featured 130 distinctive decorations and largely featured American flora and fauna from specially designed artworks by Theodore R Davis. This particular 'oyster' plate features five wells depicting opened blue point oysters on a bed of painted shells, seaweed and water designs which have been accented with gilt finishes. The designs proved so popular after their release that Davis granted Haviland the right to reproduce pieces for sale to the general public. This piece, one of the re-editions of the 1880s, is in exceptionally good condition with only some minor wear to the surface of the piece and a shallow chip to the underside of the foot, all commensurate with age.
Marked to rear - 'HAVILAND & CO LIMOGES' and 'H&Co L'
Measures - 22cm D x 2cm H
N.B. The final image in this listing shows the original oyster plate which was part of the Presidential service, on display with other associated pieces of the service, courtesy of the White House Historical Association.