Ceramic Serving Platter Oval Dish David Johnston Bordeaux Oriental Scene Transferware 1834-1845 Fine Earthenware XIX Century

A large antique oval ceramic serving platter manufactured by the David Johnston & Co pottery in Bordeaux, France, dating between 1834 and 1845. This refined specimen represents XIX-century fine earthenware (faïence fine) produced using English technical methods introduced in the Bacalan district.

Historical Context:
The David Johnston manufactory played a pivotal role in the industrial ceramic history of Bordeaux before transitioning to the renowned J. Vieillard & Cie. Johnston, an entrepreneur and former mayor of Bordeaux, implemented British industrial transferware techniques. Orientalist decorative themes were highly prized in French society during the 1830s and 1840s, capturing the contemporary fascination with exoticism and travel.

Details and Condition:
- Period: 1834-1845 (XIX Century)
- Technique: Fine earthenware (faïence fine) with sepia-toned transferware decoration
- Dimensions: Width: 22 cm (8.66 inches), Depth/Length: 49.5 cm (19.49 inches), Height: 3.5 cm (1.38 inches)
- Weight: 1251 g (2.76 lbs)
- Material: Fine earthenware, glaze
- Condition: Genuine antique preservation. Consistent, uniform fine glaze crazing (craquelé) and minor oxidation spotting characteristic of early 19th-century earthenware. No structural cracks, chips, or restorations. The manufacturer stamp is preserved on the reverse.

Value and Application:
This platter is of significant interest to collectors of antique Aquitaine ceramics and specialists studying the transition from Johnston to Vieillard. Its grand scale and documented origin make it an excellent acquisition for historic interior curation or museum-level displays.