Plate decorated with a branching bird

Polychrome earthenware, circa 1890. 

From the botanical series. 

The Porquier Beau factory (1872-1905) was founded in 1872 through the partnership of the widow Porquier and the painter Alfred Beau. 

Their collaboration resulted in the famous earthenware paintings depicting Breton scenes, studies as rigorous as they were picturesque. Also drawn to Japonism, Alfred Beau produced several pieces that foreshadowed Art Nouveau in Brittany.

 The already high price of this production led to the factory's closure in 1905.