An American, David Haviland, was an importer of French and English porcelains during the early to mid-1800's. In 1849 he moved his family to Limoges, France, to begin his own porcelain manufacturing and decorating factory and as a result, Haviland China, was born. Upon his death in 1879, his two sons split the company. Charles formed Haviland & Co., while Theodore formed Theodore Haviland. Charles Haviland produced this item.

This gorgeous factory decorated fruit plate is #2 of 10 plates, each different, designed in the 1870's by famous french painter Henri Pallandre exclusively for Haviland. The plate is decorated by the Mixtion method, which is a combination of transfer and hand painting consisting of raised enamel highlights applied to various areas of the overall design. The central motif of the plate is surrounded by ivy branches to further enhance the beauty of the plate.

The Haviland blank is called "Osier" and features four sections of embossed basket-weave design inserts on the outer rim. The plate measures 8 1/2" across, carries the Haviland back-stamp mark D - "H & Co." over two lines, circa 1876-1886. The factory decorating stamp is not present on this plate. There are no cracks, chips or repairs, near mint condition. The set of 10 may be purchased for $875.00