In the 18th century and early 19th century shellfish was inexpensive and reserved for the poor. By the late Victorian period, when presentation became everything, things changed and lobster and its smaller cousin the prawn were considered the queen of the dining experience. Naturally hostesses made the most of it.
Many of the major English and French pottery manufacturers highlighted these crustaceans by making specialty serving pieces to impress. These deserve a special look. Let’s start with the big English firms.
Smaller English companies made lobster servers too, such as this delightful seafood server.
The French made many lobster pieces, some in the Palissy style just for ornament.
As I mentioned earlier, the Portuguese, who made fabulous palissy lobster plates in the late 19th and early 20th century, like the one above, have continued making majolica style palissy plates to this day like those two below with lobsters and other creatures. Unfortunately they’ve saturated the secondary market confusing buyers and dealers alike. However they do have their charm. If the idea of a contemporary piece doesn’t bother you, by all means add one of these chargers to your room. It may not have a pedigree but it is certainly bound to be a conversation starter! In the meanwhile keep rockin’ those fabulous majolica lobsters.
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