Longwy Ceramic Charger, ca. 1930
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GUEST:
This is from my husband's family. It was in his grandmother's home as long as my husband's mother can remember, and all I know about it is that it's Limoges and it's been in my house for about 30 years, since my husband and I have been married, and I've treasured it for a long time. I just don't know very much about it.
APPRAISER:
Do you have any idea of the age of it?
GUEST:
My mother-in-law says it should be at least 50 to 60 years old. That's as long as she can remember it being around in the home.
APPRAISER:
You mentioned Limoges, which is a French porcelain factory.
GUEST:
Yes.
APPRAISER:
In fact, this is a ceramic pottery charger which was made by the Longwy factory and not Limoges at all, and we know that by the mark on the back, which I'll show you. We're able to date the charger because of this "Emaux de Longwy"-- to the 1920-to-1940 time period. Longwy was a company which began in the 18th century, and they made ceramics all through the 19th century. It's a ceramic base, very brightly decorated as though it were Persian tiles. It's a wonderful example also of Longwy. You often see turquoise blue background when in fact this has a vibrant green background...
GUEST:
Very green.
APPRAISER:
Which is a little unusual. It's a great enamel glaze on top of a soft-paste pottery, which gives it that almost glasslike effect. There's also influence in here, I would say, of Asian art, Japanese art, as well. It almost looks like a woodblock print. So we see this form, not... we see it, but not in this size. We often see smaller dresser items done by Longwy-- you might see pin trays-- but this charger is wonderful. In terms of value, I would say if I saw it priced at about $1,500 to $2,500 in a shop, that's what I would expect.
GUEST:
That's great.
APPRAISER:
Thanks for bringing it.
GUEST:
Well, thank you-- I enjoyed it.
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