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.

This Haviland & Co. white-ware blank was purchased and decorated outside the Haviland company. It is so well executed and beautiful, I would say it was done by a professional studio, if not, in a very advanced home-studio environment. The portrait is of a beautiful lady of the era attired in a champagne off-the-shoulder evening gown trimmed which ruffles over the shoulders. Her noirette bun and curls, penetrating dark eyes and brows, rosy cheeks, lips and fair complexion presents a vision of beauty and sophistication. The wide outer border of the plate is decorated with three cartouches consisting of a variety of colorful summer flowers and leafage with narrow gold rim. The portrait is unsigned by the artist.

The plate measures 9 1/2" across with gently scalloped edge. It is marked in green "H & Co. over L over France", which was the mark "H" Haviland mark, circa 1888-1896. There are no cracks, chips or repairs; near mint.