{"product_id":"19th-century-gien-faience-blue-and-white-russian-noble-house-commissioned-plate-with-unicorn-supporters","title":"19th Century Gien Faience Blue and White Russian Noble House Commissioned Plate with Unicorn Supporters","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAdditional Description:\u003cbr\u003eA striking antique French faience plate attributed to Faïencerie de Gien, decorated in deep cobalt blue transfer on a white glazed ground. The plate features an elaborate border of floral sprays, scrollwork, ribboned reserves, and lattice-pattern detailing, surrounding a dramatic central armorial crest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe center displays a crowned quartered shield supported by two rampant unicorns. The shield includes double-headed eagle motifs, a helmet or plumed helm, a six-pointed star, and a laurel branch with saber. Beneath the crest is a Cyrillic motto banner that appears to read “За верность, усердие и труды,” translating approximately to “For loyalty, diligence, and labors.” The heraldry closely resembles arms associated with Russian noble\/aristocratic families, particularly variants connected to the Saltykov family, though the exact branch has not been definitively confirmed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe underside bears a Gien-style castle\/turret mark with ribbon flourish, consistent with 19th-century Gien faience production. A highly unusual and decorative piece combining French manufacture with Russian imperial\/aristocratic heraldic symbolism.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra:\u003cbr\u003e19th century, likely circa 1870–1885.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory:\u003cbr\u003eFaïencerie de Gien was founded in Gien, France in 1821 and became especially celebrated during the mid-to-late 19th century for historic revival faience, including Renaissance, Rouen-inspired, heraldic, and armorial designs. Gien produced personalized services for European noble and elite families, making this plate’s Russian-style crest and Cyrillic motto especially compelling. The unicorn supporters, double-headed eagle imagery, saber, laurel, star, and crown suggest a connection to Imperial Russian aristocratic or service heraldry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance:\u003cbr\u003eFrench manufacture, likely Gien, France. Heraldic decoration appears Russian or Russian aristocratic in inspiration, possibly related to the Saltykov family or a connected noble branch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials:\u003cbr\u003eGlazed faience\/earthenware ceramic with cobalt blue transfer decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003e— User to supply diameter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers:\u003cbr\u003eAntique condition with expected age-related crazing, staining, utensil wear, and glaze irregularities. No crack noted by owner; dark linear areas appear to be staining\/crazing rather than structural damage. Exact heraldic family attribution has not been definitively confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48474791575807,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/d1c8aee4-ca02-4564-804b-a5fa85cb18e1.png?v=1777521446","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/products\/19th-century-gien-faience-blue-and-white-russian-noble-house-commissioned-plate-with-unicorn-supporters","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}