Large Franҫois Maurice Palissy Ware Majolica Trompe L'oeil Fish Plaque, Paris, circa 1880, signed with impressed signature, 'F. Maurice.' Naturalistically molded and applied, with a central fish on a bed of green glazed leaves and ferns, with dragonfly, butterfly, and shells, on a cobalt blue glazed ground. Francoise Maurice, a prominent member of the School of Paris, established his studio at 20 rue des Basselins, Paris, circa 1870. He exhibited his wares at the Universal Exhibition of 1889 in Paris.

In her chapter on The School of Paris, Sarah Nichols notes this of Franҫois Maurice: "His plaques and plates were cast from one-piece molds and/or handmade with molded elements." (Katz, p. 142). See footnote.

Measurements: W 16 x D 10.5 x H 2.25 inches For over 28 years we have been among the world's preeminent specialists in fine antique Majolica.

Book Reference: Marshall P. Katz and Robert Lehr, "Palissy Ware: 19th century French Ceramists from Avisseau to Renoleau." London: The Athlone Press, 1996, p. 142. For the section on Franҫois Maurice with numerous photos, see pp. 142-148.